My husband and I went to church last night. It was our local jurisdiction’s Auxiliaries In Ministry (AIM) convention. Annually, it celebrates the auxiliary departments, ministries and missions of the Church of God in Christ.
Well, the preacher stirred us up with a powerful sermon. In the message he challenged and awakened us all to the importance of not just getting excited about having power-packed worship experiences. But after we have gathered in the sanctuary, the move of God we experience there should activate our gifts and boldness to do the work of the Lord beyond the four walls of the church.
Essentially, he let us know the Holy Spirit’s visitation is not just to give us chill bumps, knock us on the floor, make us cry and dance, work miracles for us, or make us feel all warm and tingly. While the Lord’s power has been known to do all those things, there’s something else that should happen when He shows up.
Those of us who are showered with His anointing and awed by His miraculous move, should also be aware that God reveals Himself to us in the church world, so He can reveal Himself through us in the outside world.
Right before Jesus ascended to heaven after His resurrection, according to Acts 1:8, He told the apostles, “ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
That word power in this passage is the Greek word “dunamis,” which, in this connotation signifies miraculous power, might and strength. It is the very equipping power of God activated in the life of the believer.
That power Jesus promised His followers they would receive wasn’t simply to make them feel good, speak in tongues and get drunk in the spirit so-to-speak. It was so they could be effective witnesses in the earth of His authentic Lordship. They were to tell everyone they could reach that Jesus Christ is the very son of God who died, rose and is coming back again one day.
Friend, when we receive Christ and accept the gift of the Holy Spirit, we also receive dunamis—the miraculous power, might and strength that equips us to perform every duty God has put us on earth to do… and do it effectively.
Here’s why this is good news: you don’t have to worry about not having the ability to carry out your unique assignment. On your own you are not enough. You are incapable and inadequate. But when you are fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit, that dunamis that rests on your life gives you the courage, fortitude and ability to soar. You will thrive, overcome any adversity and reach the destination that God has predetermined for you.
Know that He has set a course for you, paved a path for you to walk on, and given you: His power; His might; His strength; His favor; and His blessings.
This should excited you.
God has anointed & equipped you to carry out His will. Don't stress, worry or panic. Tap into the power inside of you!
There’s nothing you’re incapable of doing as long as you stay in God’s will. He makes provision for every need as you partner with Him in purpose. So, next time you feel weak and discouraged, as if you won’t make it, remind yourself that His power is working in and through you, equipping you to do all things.
In a recent post, I shared with you that you have that Ephesians 3:20 type of favor, where God does immeasurably more than you can ask or think. It manifests in you when you are plugged into not just any power source, but the Ultimate Power Source.
Amen?
God has equipped you to be productive. You will bear positive fruit in your life. The Lord’s hand is upon you this very day, causing doors to open, ways to be made, disease to be banished, mountains to be flattened, and enemies to be subdued.
If your head is hung low and you're crying, stressing and sulking, shake yourself out of that slump. Don't you know what's in you? Don't you know who you are? You are royalty, a King's kid.
As you read this, God is combating the enemy’s attempts to sabotage your destiny by planting negative, discouraging, self-deprecating thoughts in your mind, telling you what’s not possible. The enemy wants you to quit, but don’t do it.
Whenever Satan tries to make you think you’re faced with insurmountable obstacles, hit back with the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 19:26 NIV, which is what I’m stirring into your cup of inspiration today. It says, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
As you drink down the contents of your cup, hold your head up high, embrace a faith perspective and declare “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” according to Philippians 4:13. Whatever it is you feel is holding you back from your divine purpose, this is your notice: no matter how forceful or powerful it seems, it doesn't have power to stop the plan of God.
Again, don't you know what's in you?
Tap into that dunamis and answer the adversary’s claim that you are defeated with this: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
Now let’s pray.
God, thank You for the assurance that no matter what I’m going through and despite the odds that may be stacked high against me, I have been equipped, and endowed with Your power to overcome. Whenever I feel weak, please remind me that through You, I am strong and able to do all things. Help me to walk boldly and go forth in faith, knowing that You’ve got it in control and have empowered me to make it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
