The Power Within (Friday Devotional)

 

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

- Ephesians 3:20-21

“I didn’t know I had it in me.”

You’ve probably heard that expression before, maybe even used it yourself. It’s the kind of thing you say after riding your first roller coaster, something for when you’ve overcome a big fear. Alternatively, it’s what you say, with equal pride and surprise, after completing a difficult assignment, whether that means DIY-ing a room in your house or giving a speech at a corporate event. You could even say it after doing something familiar, but with better results than ever before, like after beating your personal record in a local 5K.

Whatever the case, you say “I didn’t know I had it in me” because results have demonstrated you have more power within you than you expected. What you thought was possible, it turns out, was too limited. You’re able to accomplish even more than you dreamed you could.

For believers in Jesus Christ, we know the source of our spiritual power—not personal will or some inner reserve of ability, but the Holy Spirit. God has empowered us to do his work in the world, to share the gospel in word and deed so that others will know him and be conformed to the image of his Son.

And if you will be faithful and obedient, God has a way of surprising you. He will send you places you never wanted to go and, by the power of the Spirit, you will flourish. He will give you tasks you never planned to undertake and, by the power of the Spirit, you will ace the test.

When those moments come, don’t lose sight of what’s being revealed. First, remember where the power comes from—you’re not the star of the show, the Lord is, and it’s by his power that you’re doing God’s will. Second, remember that when God is at work, the impossible becomes possible.

On your own, you may not have big expectations for yourself. But don’t forget who you have within you.