Our Two Power Sources

Ephesians 3:20 – Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (NLT)

Through my years, I've acquired surprising spiritual lessons through mundane events. Here, I'll share how a simple episode yesterday drew my attention to two power sources influencing Christian life.

I had placed a frozen pizza in the toaster oven, then set the temperature and timer. The ticking timer assured me that the countdown was on: dinner would be ready at 5:30. However, I soon noticed an absence of the familiar aroma of baked pizza. Why? The appliance was not plugged in! I was deceived by the noisy ticking. I forgot that the timer runs on mechanical power and doesn't need electricity. My toaster oven, in fact, runs on two different power sources. And so do we Christians!

Through spiritual rebirth, we become connected to an energy source completely outside of ourselves. It's from above, namely, the power of God's Spirit. Without maintaining this connection, we cannot be who we are called to be — through Him who can "accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think".

Admittedly, we can do much through natural power alone. It keeps us alive, and energizes our work, organizing, dedication, and achievements. Natural power helps us to set a fabulous table. But apart from God's supernatural power, our plates remain empty. Our efforts become as unfulfilling as frozen pizza. At best, our natural energy produces merely a form of godliness, but without its potential through God's power.

My pizza episode helped me to realize how easily we can be fooled by the ever-ticking pulses of natural energy. Undoubtedly, in past times, God worked through such situations. Then, we kept things running on natural power — without noticing the difference.

There's a reason that I draw attention to these two diverse sources of power: We can get over-reliant on the wrong power, and this will hinder us. Or perhaps, we're sensing the countdown ticker on our mortal lives. Perhaps, bad powers are intimidating us. Somehow, we sense our powerlessness — the loss of natural power, that is. Yet, God can do much with our vulnerability through His supernatural power. He can bring fruitfulness into our lives — as the apostle Paul discovered:

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 – Three different times I begged the Lord to take [the thorn in my flesh] away. Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (NLT)

Fellow believers, let us each deepen our reliance on God's supernatural power — rather than our own fleeting, natural powers.

1 Corinthians 4:20 – For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power. (NLT)

Prayer: Almighty King, help us to forge a deep, abiding connection with You, so that in our fragile state, we may experience complete fulfilment through Your infinite, never-ending power of love. Amen.