Part 2 of SWAGG's July series about the characteristics of our great God
Lately, I've been struggling against a negative view about God's power and authority. I'm afraid of Him punishing me with it, instead of finding comfort in it. I believe others might be battling with this view as well.
What we need to do this week to truly learn and reflect on God's great power, is to remind ourselves of our identity. We're God's treasured daughters, we're princesses of the King of creation.
A good, fair king would never use his position or power to harm their child. He would use it to protect them and help them. God loves you in the purest way, and His love will drive out the fear we're battling. It's part of His power.
I live in the middle of a mountain range, a place where many people see how great God's power really is. I do see it, but I don't love mountains. Instead, the place God's immensity is revealed to me the most is standing on the beach. The huge waves, the endless horizon, the numerous grains of sand, the gravitational push and pull of gliding water. Yet, this is just a tiny glimpse of His great power.
I view power as almost synonymous with destruction, which creates an unfinished picture of God’s great power. Even though God can and sometimes does destroys things with His power, He often uses it for other purposes.
The Bible begins with God creating light and life with His power. The creation is a prime example of God’s power and how He often uses it. Genesis shows us another important part of God’s power, He has always had it – no one gave it to Him. This is confirmed in Romans when it’s stated that God’s power is eternal, also telling us that it won’t ever go away. In Luke, Jesus’ followers realized that there is power in the name of Jesus. Demons submitted when the followers told them to do things in Jesus’ name. Romans tells us that Abraham believed that God had power to fulfill His promises. We, too, should have faith in this, for He has never broken one. God’s power, in Ephesians, is described as something that is incomparable.
Because of God’s power, we can hold to these things: First, God’s power is in and working within us. The power that God used to raise Jesus from the dead, is the same power that He has placed in us, by the Holy Spirit, and is using to equip us to do His will. Secondly, God’s power is revealed the most in our weaknesses. Those times when we’re struggling, when we’re tempted, when we realize we aren’t perfect or strong or skilled enough – that’s when, if we let Him, Jesus comes and shows off His power by helping us through. Third, Jesus has power over and is above everyone and everything. We don’t have to spend time in fear or worry about the state of our situations or even the state of our government. Lastly, God’s power is for us. Ephesians states that if we’ve accepted Jesus as our Savior, God’s power is used for us – not against us.
Here’s what not to do, knowing God’s great power: Use the names of God carelessly – A name that is above all names and which makes demons scared, should be used with respect. Stay in our weakness – God gives us the power to struggle through and overcome our weaknesses to reveal Himself to others. Believe that our leaders have more control than God does – God’s the one ultimately in control.
God’s Guidance:
Genesis 1:1-3 (NIV) – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”
Genesis 2:1 (NIV) – “Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.”
Romans 1:20 (NIRV) – “Ever since the world was created it has been possible to see the qualities of God that are not seen. I’m talking about his eternal power and about the fact that he is God. Those things can be seen in what he has made. So people have no excuse for what they do.”
Luke 10:17 (NIV) – “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.””
Romans 4:21 (NIV) – “being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
Ephesians 1:19-22 (NIRV) – “And you will know God’s great power. It can’t be compared with anything else. His power works for us who believe. It is the same mighty strength God showed. He showed this when he raised Christ from the dead. God seated him at his right hand in his heavenly kingdom. There Christ sits far above all who rule and have authority. He also sits far above all powers and kings. He is above every name that is appealed to in this world and in the world to come. God placed all things under Christ’s rule. He appointed him to be ruler over everything for the church.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIRV) – “God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Give him glory in the church and in Christ Jesus. Give him glory through all time and for ever and ever. Amen.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIRV) – “But he said to me, “My grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So I am very happy to brag about how weak I am. Then Christ’s power can rest on me.”
Application:
1. Share to someone about a time in your life when God’s grace and power got you through a struggle
2. Write out your own description of God’s power
3. Take time to praise God for His great power every day this week
Strength Point:
Through your weaknesses, fears, obstacles, injustices, and chaos – God’s got you!
Reflection Question:
What emotions get stirred up when you hear about God's power?
Prayer Prompt:
Hi Jesus! Thank You for Your great power! With this power, You created the entire universe, perform miraculous acts, and broke my chains. I’m sorry for believing that your power is meant to harm me. Help me to view Your power and authority with awe, respect, and __. I pray that I would find comfort in Your power, allowing me to live with a sound mind – not in fear. Thank You for using Your power to help me. It’s through Your power that people come to know You and are saved. Thank You that, because I have Your Spirit living within me, I have the same power inside me that You used to raise up from the dead with. You are my Savior. You are my King. You are my __. I will honor and praise You with all I am, my Lord. I love you!
A Prayer to Pray Over Others:
Hey Jesus! Thank You for Your great power! Remind my friend here that with this power, You created the universe, perform miraculous, and break chains. Help them to understand that Your power isn’t there to harm them. I pray that they would be able to view Your power and authority with awe and respect. Help them to find comfort in Your power, allowing them to live with a sound mind – not in fear. Whatever they might be going through, I pray that Your power would be a light and refuge through it. Thank You that through Your power people come to know You and are saved. You are our Savior, You are our King! Let us honor and praise You with all that we are. I love you!
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