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Power from on High
Have you ever been offered, or currently in, a situation that seemed too big for you? For example: Going on a mission trip; Leading a community group; Being the leader of a family; Raising 1, 2, 4, or 6 kids; or teaching the second grade VBX class? What about living out Matthew 28:19 (the Great Commission) and Acts 1:8? Too big of a job to handle?
What do you think were going through the Apostles and disciples minds when Jesus tells them that they will be witnesses to ends of the earth? Yikes!! Additionally, Jesus tells Paul in Acts 9 that he is the chosen instrument to be a witness to all the Gentiles and their kings.
The verse does not say that "we must be witnesses" or "we should be witnesses" or "we can be witnesses". The verse says "we will". Jesus is telling you that you receive the power to do all those things when the Holy Spirit comes on you. The word ‘power’ here is the Greek dunamis; where we get the word dynamite. Dunamis has the idea of power in the ability, meaning, we will be given the ability to "be witnesses". The word can also imply moral or virtuous power. The word also contains the concepts that the very power, or ability, in its nature is effective. What we see wrapped up in this word that the Holy Spirit will give us the ability (power) to be witnesses via word and deed, but by also by the way we live.
When the Holy Spirit indwells us, the nature of our being, mind and body are changed. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. " (Jeremiah 31:33), "…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2), "??For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent ??promises, so that by them you may become ??partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4).
We still have part of that sin nature inside us, which causes our struggles. We can fight our new nature by trying to do what God has placed in front of us by our own ability, but we will only render the Holy Spirit ineffective. But, if we will rest in His power, He will work through us.
It is our very nature, once the Holy Spirit lives in us, to be His witness and do greater things than He did! So, do you ever think you have been given a job too big to do? Thankfully, it is not our job; it is the job of the Holy Spirit…So, stop trying to live up to the Word and Just Be!
Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. He calls us to “Abide in me”. Live, breath, and rest in Jesus. It is our nature if we rest in Christ to have the Holy Spirit guide our every day. Prayer focuses my mind on what the Spirit is trying to tell me. So yes stop trying to do until you have listened to what God wants you to be.
This is incredible. This morning I am going to speak with future women leaders in our Bible studies for next year. Many of course are hesitate that they are not qualified. Praise God I just opened this email before I am to leave. What a great God we serve. Your devotional though I had not prayed for this was an answer to probably what God wanted me to ask!!!
Thanks Marty for the encouragement . I feel that way with all FIA’s and working In Kenya. May the Holy Spirit give me the grace to say “I will”.
Penny– great follow up point. I totally agree!
Janet- Thanks for your comment! And this was originally was for the 16th!
Rob– All Holy Spirit!