Plug into Power

If you have ever called tech support, you may be frustrated by how often they suggest obvious solutions like, “Have you checked that everything is plugged in?” However, these common answers show up first because they fix so many issues.

Even in faith, we can miss the obvious. Pain and suffering can cause us to withdraw from God, but when we face trials, we must make sure we are plugged in and connected to Him, because He grants us the power to overcome.

Second Corinthians 4 is a great chapter to read when facing unexpected and unwanted change. Verse 7 says, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (NKJV).This means every born-again believer has the treasure of the gospel inside of them. What is that treasure? It is power from God. Just because this power does not look like what you see in others does not make the power God gave you less valuable. This is God-given treasure! Every Christian has excellent power to endure hardship and not to lose heart (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 16 NKJV).

Know this: God's power is more available in your time of suffering than at any other time in your walk with Him. We often think God’s power is there when we praise, get happy, and when we experience His anointing. We love all that, but I am telling you the greatest power you see described in the Bible is in your time of suffering.

When we speak of suffering, we must speak of the cross. All suffering must be viewed through the mighty, redemptive, and triumphant work of Jesus. If Jesus had not died on the cross, would we know resurrection? Our greatest example of God’s power comes through the suffering and death of Christ. Why should we, as His followers, expect it will be any different for us?

Remain connected to the life and power of the Holy Spirit, and you will experience fruit from the Holy Spirit.

--

How is your connection to God during this season? What, if anything, do you need to change?