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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.
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Thanks for sharing, Diane. A good reminder.
Well done! And I do not mean the pizza? Blessings.
Very inspiring and a great reminder, Diane. Many thanks and blessings!
Well said, Diane! Thank you for pointing out the educational importance of something seemingly so “mundane”. Have a good weekend!
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Good morning Diane,
Thank you for your good devotional this morning. Let us deepen our reliance on God’s power indeed.
Blessings.
Greetings Diane,
Great devotional! Yes, relying on God’s power in our daily lives is definitely the route to go. His love and care are superpowers always available to us. Blessings for these meaningful, in depth writings you submit.
Good morning Diane,
That is a good analogy that I have had happen, but on an air fryer so I can total relate. I have also many times in my life relied on the natural power and not God’s power. I think we are brought up to be independent and that leads us easily down the wrong path to improve our lives and the lives of others. It is true that as I get older, I do rely on God’s power more because I have grown in faith and understanding and realize that God is all powerful and I need him.
It is important to work on that relationship and the more I do, then the more I feel God working in my life to increase my faith and turning to him first and not when I realize that I cannot do it along. As I join with you in your prayer, I thank you for always being willing to share your thoughts and wisdom. May you have a powerful day engineered by God’s superpowers. Blessings.
Dear Diane:
Thank you for your wonderful devotional! What a blessing to see my feelings and beliefs put so plainly!
I experienced 2 Corinthians 12: 8 and 9, last year when I had just had surgery and after healing so well and with little pain, I was brought to His Throne of Grace with a two-month affliction with a different medical problem.
I consistently remained with Jesus, crying with pain, and repeating: “Even though You slay me, yet will I trust You!” “Your grace is sufficient!” “My joy is in You, Lord Jesus, and in having Your Holy Spirit and Your Father’s love, is my strength.”
I learned how to LIVE my life at His Throne of Grace, not letting go of the hem of His garment!
What a wonderful place to live twenty-four hours a day, until I see Him face-to-face!
Another bonus was my husband’s surge of spiritual growth – worth every tear I shed!
Keep writing for Him and for all your readers!
Blessings.
Dear Diane,
I love how we can find life lessons from the Holy Spirit at every turn.
Thank you for writing and sharing yours!