Power

When we think about power we think about so many different things. We think about powerful people. We think about strength versus weakness. We may even think about God. When someone has power they often have influence. They may also have popularity. In any case, they have control. Power is the ability to control something or someone. If you are not the one who is in power then you may be being controlled by someone else. In my American culture, that is a bad thing. We are often taught to be in full control over everything and not to allow others to control us. However, in Christian thought, the opposite is true. As we submit to God who is the one who is all-powerful, our control is limited. We completely relinquish control to the one who has all the power. 

But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the world. (Acts 1:8, KJV)

When that happens, it can be frustrating to be patient as God works in our lives or to be still when we really want to jump ahead. Control is something that we may possess or something that we give to someone else. What they don't tell you, is that there is more freedom in allowing someone else to be in control than for you to control your life. When we surrender, throw our hands up and back away from the problems, we are no longer responsible for the outcome. God is. He is the one we have placed in control of our lives and is therefore responsible for the things that he allows or disallows. 

Once we see the freedom in giving the power over to God we can understand why He wants it all. God doesn't want us stressed out, overburdened and beside ourselves with fear over things that He already has in control. He is omnipotent (all powerful) after all! Submission is still one of the most unpopular words in christian circles for women. However, I have learned that there is freedom in submission. There is rest in returning to what God places you in control over versus what is NOT your responsibility. Your power lies in learning that difference!

Prayer: Omnipotent God, I just surrender. I do not need to be in control of what You already have under control. Help me to submit to Your will for my life in Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Action: Ask the Lord to fill you with the Holy Ghost and give you the power that you need to be His witness in your life.

Watch the scope.