Presence & PowerSample

POWER

What is power?

The definition of power is an ability to do something, the ability to influence behavior, or the ability to exert strength. In 1 Kings, Elijah says it is in God’s presence, in whom he stands, that he can have the ability, influence, and strength to proclaim a drought in the land. We continue to read about God’s power commanding ravens to feed Elijah, a never-ending jar of oil and flour, and the resurrection of a dead child. This is powerful. Yet it says this power is simply through Elijah’s reliance on the presence of God. He prayed, and “the Lord listened.”

The Gospels tell us the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus at His baptism. After this, Jesus goes out in power to heal the sick, raise the dead, and command demons to flee. Jesus models stepping out from the presence of God in power, victory, and boldness. He tells us, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit also demonstrates His power in boldness. In fact, throughout the Old Testament, we read of courage, but through the New Testament, we read of the boldness we have in the Spirit. Acts 4:31 tells us, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the Word of God with boldness.” In Acts 5, the Spirit so overflowed in the disciples lives, people laid the sick in the streets just in case Peter’s shadow passed over them. Jesus stops for the woman with the issue of blood who touches His garment in faith, He knew when power was drawn from the presence of the Spirit. When we accept Jesus in our lives, He puts this same Spirit in us. In Ephesians, Paul prays, “He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.”

In Luke 1, the Angel Gabriel confirms the power from which he speaks, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God”. Gabriel knew where his authority came from, in the same way we need to know the authority in which we stand. The same presence through which Elijah accessed power, the same power that resurrected Christ, the same power through which Jesus did all He did, this same power lives in us! The ability to do, influence, and have strength; is in every one of us through the Holy Spirit.

The presence of God transforms our lives and gives us access to great power. You and I have this power inside us. Today, where do you need to see God move in power? Be bold and ask God to see His power overflow through your life. Ask God to help you understand the authority you have as His child.