PLUGGED INTO GOD'S POWER
NOTE: “Barney’s Bullet” is now “Barney’s Blast”
Herb Jackson served as a missionary in a developing nation for several years. His mission agency provided him a car, but after a short time, it wouldn't start. For two years, he push-started the vehicle each morning by "borrowing" some boys from the local school to give it a shove. Then he made his rounds for the day, always parking on a hill or leaving the engine running.
Due to ill health, Jackson's family needed to return home. When his replacement arrived, Herb showed him around and explained the issue with the auto. The newcomer tinkered under the hood, and after a few minutes said, “I believe the only problem is this loose cable.” Giving the cable a twist, the engine fired right up, much to the astonishment of Herb Jackson. (Source: Pastor's Story File, Vol.15, Number 8)
The engine’s power was present all along, but Jackson had failed to utilize it. Likewise, many of us limp through life, like Herb's car, unable to experience the life God intends for us. God promises us full access to his unlimited power. Ephesians 3:20 states that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” God's infinite power is available to those who ask and believe (Eph.1:19; 3:7,16,18).
Yet sometimes we “white-knuckle” our way through our struggles, like an old vehicle requiring a push start. Through the power of his Spirit—not our effort—God transforms us. Paul writes, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). If we live in connection with the Spirit, we don’t have to force ourselves to “try harder” or make ourselves do the “right thing.” God’s Spirit will transform us, but it often takes time, and requires painful sacrifice.
Our part in this process is to create space in our lives for the Spirit to operate. This happens as we engage in spiritual practices such as prayer, Biblical meditation, silence, Sabbath, or simply soaking in God’s presence throughout the day. Jesus said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit” (John 15:5). A branch only has power to bear fruit when it's connected to the vine. An engine will only start when it's connected to the battery. And Christ followers can only experience his power when we stay connected to Jesus!
Principle: When we remain plugged into Jesus, we will experience his transforming power.
Ponder:
What struggles are you facing that require God’s transforming power?
What spiritual practices might you engage in to connect you to his power?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Ephesians 3:14-21.
Almighty God, thank you for your promise to fill me with your power. Give me the strength I need to remain connected to your Holy Spirit.
I’m So Excited!! My new book, The Perfect Gift, a Christmas devotional published by Our Daily Bread, was released October 1. Click on “The Perfect Gift” link above to order.
If you enjoyed this article, please tell your friends to subscribe on my website, BarneyCargile.com