Do you have power?  This was a common question flying around on text messages today in New England.  Our hurricane/tropical storm created many power outages in the area.  Actually, it felt kind of nice for a while.  It was quiet…very quiet, and rather relaxing to be unplugged for a time.  (I imagine I would not have felt that same way if the electricity had not been restored several hours later.)

I sent a text message to my daughter, Kristen, who had just returned from a trip out of town, asking the question, “Do you have power?”  I then thought about the question and added, “I mean electricity.  The Spirit is a given.”

I reflected on the two kinds of power.  While electricity makes my life much easier it really only affects the physical parts of my life; however it does some pretty amazing stuff!  When it’s gone it’s very noticeable, but when it’s available I often take it for granted.  The power of God, that He makes available to me, is so much more valuable than my light bulbs, refrigerator, washing machine, computer or even my hair dryer!  I thought about several scriptures showing different aspects of the power of God.  These first few seemed quite fitting with our big weather event yesterday and today:

Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies. You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.   Praise be to God!   (Psalm 68:34-35)

See, the Lord, the Lord Almighty, will lop off the boughs with great power.  The lofty trees will be felled, the tall ones will be brought low.  (Isaiah 10:33)

Amazingly, this very power of God has been given to me by way of His Spirit.  (Acts 2:38-40; John 14) and is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead! (Rom. 8:11)

I spent a good bit of time yesterday watching the Weather Channel, in order to know what to expect and how to prepare  for the hurricane’s potential power; yet, if you join me in taking time to look at the following scriptures you’ll find they are way more awesome and powerful than Irene!

I’m given by God the power to have salvation (Rom. 1:16); the power to have eternal life (Philip.. 3:21); the power to have a clear conscience (Col. 2:12); the power to overcome sin (Eph. 6:10-13); the power to hope (Rom. 15:13); the power to affect someone’s soul for eternity (2 Cor. 5:16-18); the power to overcome worry (Lk. 12:22-32); the power to get the attention of the Creator of the universe (Ps. 4:3, Heb. 2:6); the power to turn my weaknesses into strengths (2 Cor. 12:9); the power to be strengthened in my inner being (Eph. 3:16); the power to feel loved (Eph. 3:18); the power to do more than I can ask or imagine (Eph. 3:21); the power to have great endurance, patience and joy (Col. 1:11); the power to fulfill my purpose (2 Thess. 1:11); the power to love and to be disciplined (2 Timothy 1:7); the power for everything I need to live life and to serve God (2 Peter 1:3); the power to not be accused (Rev. 12:10) and much more!

I don’t want to take these promises for granted and I want them to be evident in my life.  While my lights may go out, I’m  grateful the mighty forces of nature can’t take away God’s power – they merely showcase it.  So…

Do you have power?

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