I Powered or God Powered?

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Luke 24:49

Three years, Jesus’ ministry on this planet was three years and during most of that time he was training the disciples to do the work He would leave for them to do. Three years of on-the-job training and Jesus still tells them to wait for a bit longer before they get down to real business. In today’s business organizations including the church, three years of on-the-job training is unheard of, people are expected to jump in feet first and get the job done. How is that working for you?

If you were to take a new job or start a new endeavor and didn’t get the right training, resources, authority or power to actually do the job - how successful would you expect to be? Sheer determination and grit may help you make some progress, but eventually the feeling of fighting a losing battle will take hold. Then attitudes turn sour, jobs are lost and hopelessness can find its way in.

Imagine what might have happened if Jesus’ ministry was shorter or if the disciples immediately took charge after His departure, during a time when they still were not sure what just happened. How successful would Paul have been if as soon as he received his sight he had charged back to Jerusalem and tried to join the apostles? I quite possibly would not be writing this kind encouragement and you might not be interested in reading it. There might not even be a church if they had taken it on themselves to act. 

In everything you do, it is ok to wait until you have clear direction and all that you need before you act. While you are waiting - pray and listen. The Lord can see the whole picture, but He only gives us enough information to take a step at a time. When you take that step, He will make sure you have everything you need - including His power and authority to act or to wait again. 

This week, will it be I power or God power? Which will make you more effective in what you have been called to do? 

A Prayer
Father, thank you for taking your time as you teach us how to lead, how to love, how to reflect Your image to the world around us. Thank you for giving us all we need including the power and authority to act. Help us not to take that for granted. Grant us the wisdom to understand that without the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, we are less able to accomplish what you have for us. May we chose Your power over our own power every day. In the name of Jesus, Amen.