Introduction
Spiritual empowerment is crucial for overcoming the challenges posed by agents of evil. The Holy Spirit’s power in a believer’s life is so profound that even non-Christians can detect it. This divine power often compels adversaries to leave believers alone, highlighting the necessity of God’s power in our lives.
The Necessity Of His Power – IV
After years of walking with the Lord Jesus Christ, I am still learning that the effectiveness of our lives comes from the power of the Holy Spirit and not from us, our experience, or our knowledge, or our talents, or our influence.
“But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us,” (2 Corinthians 4:7).
When I am talking about ‘effectiveness’, I am not talking about organizational capability, or the capacity to raise funds, or to get a lot of people together for some spiritual purpose or meeting. I am talking about the power that changes lives, that causes radical inner transformations, that power that causes hardened souls to break down in the Presence of God, crying for mercy.
It is when that ‘power on high’ wrapped Peter and he spoke under the unction of the Spirit that hearts underwent a dramatic inner transformation.
“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?” (Acts 2:37)
The necessity of this power lies here, that lives will never be changed if they are not touched by the power of God. Hardened hearts will not melt if ‘the power on high’ will not touch them. If you want to see souls saved in your family, in your neighborhood, in your nation, you need this power of God in your lives, operating within you.
A friend of mine runs an orphanage in India. He struggled to get official permission from the government. One day, he met the district Collector and requested permission. The non-Christian Collector visited and suddenly remarked, “I feel a certain spirit here!” He then immediately granted the permission.
We know who that ‘Spirit’ was; it was the Holy Spirit. This story highlights the need for the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives and establishments.
Biblical Examples of God’s Power
Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Speaking about Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the Holy Bible says, “In every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom,” (Daniel 1:20). They were ‘ten times better’ because of the anointing on their lives.
Gideon’s Transformation
The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, who was beating out wheat in the wine-press away from the eyes of the enemies. The angel of the Lord appeared to him and called him a ‘mighty warrior’ (Judges 6:12), knowing the unction of heaven would rest on Gideon to do mighty things. Gideon doubted, saying, ” ‘But sir, how can I deliver Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family,” (Judges 6:15). Yet, it is the power of the Holy Spirit that makes the impossible possible.
Simon to Peter
When Jesus called Simon, he was a rugged fisherman. Jesus told him, ” ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people’,” (Matthew 4:19). Later, Jesus named him ‘Cephas’ or ‘Peter’, meaning ‘rock’. Simon, meaning ‘reed’, was weak, but Jesus made him strong. Things changed for Peter when he received the Holy Spirit’s power. He became a fisher of men and a leader used by the Holy Spirit to change the world.
The Holy Spirit’s Power in Our Lives
Mary, Mother of Jesus
When Gabriel, the angel of the Lord, appeared to Mary, telling her she would be the mother of the Son of God, she asked, “How is it possible?” The angel assured her, ” ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you,'” (Luke 1:35). Only the power of God could make this possible.
Fr. George Panackal VC
Fr. George Panackal VC, founder of Divine Retreat Centre, struggled in the seminary and was told to leave. After being inspired by the Holy Spirit through Matthew 11:28-30, he was asked to return to the seminary and was later ordained. God’s power made this possible.
King David’s Anointing
King David’s story is another example. He was picked from the sheepfold and placed on the royal throne by the power of God. Psalm 89:20 says, “I have found my servant David; with my holy oil I have anointed him.” God’s power protected and exalted David.
Conclusion
The key is not asking for ‘more power’ but understanding God’s purposes and living a life surrendered to Him. As Mother Mary said, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38). Following the Holy Spirit’s promptings is essential.
