Jesus said to his Apostles, "...you will receive power from on high and you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8)
I have, for a good long time, struggled to satisfactorily understand why my Christian experience is so far different from what I read about in Acts. I will not go into long explanations. Suffice it to say, there are some questions deep in my heart, that have yet to be answered.
One such question has to do with power. Throughout my Christian life, I have never felt very powerful. Disclaimer here-> I am not concerned with charismatic gifts of the spirit at this point. Paul (in 1 Cor. 13) speaks of a time when such gifts would cease. The exact time frame Paul has in view is difficult to determine with certainty (the traditional "completion of the biblical canon" explanation for Paul's perfect not withstanding).
The point is that Paul's discussion definitely does NOT speak of a cessation of power. I want to serve God powerfully - the way that everything within me suggests that I should. Whether or not that involves charismatic gifts is ultimately immaterial. (And for the record - I have never thought, nor do I now think that it will involve charismatic gifts.) The goal of power is efficacy. I want to be effective. And, truly I could care less in what form or manner efficacy comes, so long as it comes.
I want God's power working effectively in my life. I've wanted it for a long time and for the most part I have found it lacking. I don't think I am alone in this spiritual self-consciousness.
Here's why I am writing this:
Over the past several months, God has blessed me with a handful of experiences, one this very night, that have begun to open my eyes to power at work in my life. It is thrilling! - God's power at work in me. I am not bragging, because it has nothing to do with me. I am excited because my greatest dreams are not so far away.
Tonight I saw "human change". I mean by that - I saw evidence of change in a person's life that I know can only come by God. God used me in a small way. The experience is like being out in a field and witnessing lighting dramatically strike very close by. I didn't make it happen - I can't make it happen again - but WOW! was it ever an experience to behold.
Tonight, I am a good bit more in touch with the ever-present grace of God and my heart is filled with gratitude.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
lightning
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3 comments:
Sometimes we're just too close to the situation to see what's going on, Jason. It sometimes reminds me of one of those magicians who do those sleight of hand tricks. They take off a mark's tie, watch, and belt without them being any the wiser while everyone else can see clearly what's going on. I'm standing there and God is working his magic all around me and through me...other folks can see it but I'm functionally blind to it.
Perhaps the same goes for you. I'm sure a lot of folks at Sunshine see God working through you in ways you'd never imagine. Be assured you're being used by God in many effective ways...I've seen it first hand myself.
Jason, that is absolutely beautiful! There truly is nothing better in the entire world than to watch God work right in front of us. Lightning is probably the best analogy a person could use. Great post!....and....I'm so very happy for you than you got to witness change in a person and it was this lightning we're talking about!!!!
Jennifer
I hope you realize that God gave you a spirit of power, not one of timidity. We choose whether or not we use it! I have noticed too many times people saying "I don't feel powerful" Well, quit feeling and start doing and then you will see that God will provide the power! We all have it in us. Glad to see you are realizing the power within you! God Bless
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