The Power Within (June 1, 2023)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

To live a Christian lifestyle often clashes with the ways of an ungodly world mired in deadly sin. This troubled planet is full of hatred, injustice, and strife that bombard us every time we turn on the news. In the midst of it all, we the followers of Jesus Christ are called to genuinely love each other, including our enemies; to graciously forgive one another, even those who’ve deeply hurt us; and to humbly give of ourselves and our personal resources to meet human needs in a world abounding in selfishness and pride. In an age when Christians are increasingly ridiculed and persecuted, it is certainly not easy to walk by faith and in the center of God’s will. In fact, living the Christian life is impossible—in our own strength! But we have the power within!

 ^“Who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:5)

Given our human inadequacy, we are not made to go it alone as servants of our Savior! When we accept God’s grace through faith and Christ becomes our LORD, however, we are supernaturally empowered to do God’s will and serve His purpose. We have been crafted to live in dependency upon our omnipotent Creator! Through the power of the Holy Spirit who inhabits repentant, surrendered hearts at the moment of salvation, Christ lives in us, enabling believers to accomplish tasks that would otherwise be far beyond our own natural capability. As Jesus’ disciples, we have access to the same sovereign authority that raised Christ from the grave and defeated death. God’s divine strength perfects our human weakness! That is the power within!

“Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)