There is often a feeling of “powerlessness” when facing the rigors of modern life. There are many offers for power to face life from a plethora of sources. There is one source, however, that provides power beyond any comprehension and that power is tailored to our needs and circumstances. I’m talking about the power in the presence of God.
Ephesians 3:20–21 (ESV) — 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
The presence of God makes all the difference. Sometimes the power is described almost like a force, but when you look at the context you understand that God in the person of the Holy Spirit is that marvelous power. Of course, as you consider the Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the passage below, you understand that “the power” that causes us to believe, being the same “power” that raised Christ from the dead, is that of God Himself – not some arbitrary force.
Ephesians 1:16–20 (ESV) — 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,
Think of it. God’s magnificent power is behind your believing in the Lord Jesus Christ because as we read in Ephesians 2:1 before Christ, you were dead in trespasses and sin. Realize then, the same power that raised the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead has given you new life in Christ. Of course, that is the same power that is present in the preaching of the Gospel as God is present in the preaching of His word and the object of the Gospel is the Lord Jesus Christ so that even the one preaching the word is called by that same power of God’s presence and he then is given great freedom by that same powerful presence of God.
Romans 1:16 (ESV) — 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Ephesians 3:7 (ESV) — 7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.
Consider then, the power to live, face life’s circumstances, and to serve God all comes back to the presence of God. We need His presence, which is promised to us along with His power which is working in us and through us to His glory. No wonder then, the Lord Jesus Christ in teaching His disciples to pray, included the reminder as to the source of power.
Matthew 6:9–13 (KJV) — 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Coming to God in an attitude of total dependency (helplessness) results in the aiding power of the Holy Spirit to work in us. Notice at what God tells us He takes great notice:
Isaiah 57:15 (ESV) — 15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
God will not share His glory with another so our coming to God for His power to be present in our lives cannot be in a state of pride or “non-dependency.” Just the opposite!
Psalm 102:17 (ESV) — 17 he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer.
God, therefore, has “divine power” for us for life and godliness. Does it get any better than that? How about the power behind His precious and great promises that are yes and amen in the Lord Jesus Christ?
2 Peter 1:3–4 (ESV) — 3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV) — 20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.
His power, His presence, and His promises are all part of what God has given us to make it through life. If you want His power for life, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and approach God to express your need, depend upon Him, and rely upon His word.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
