4:5 – Do You Feel Powerful?

#faithbites #faithjourney powerful

Setting

Is it odd or is it God? In the past few days, the idea of being powerless and claiming your power has been ever present. Friends have told me they feel powerless in their lives, I have fluctuated between being powerful and powerless, and last night the episode of 9-1-1 we were watching was all about taking back your power.

But what does it mean to be powerful? For many, it’s the feeling of having control in your life. That you can make changes and direct your life. I describe it by what being powerles means. Powerless means I love my life and it floats from one day to the next without my directing it. In other words I’m following someone else’s stage directions in the play of my life.

As Christians, we believe that God is all powerful and he is active in our lives. What does the Bible say about his power and how does his strength flow through us?

Scripture

• Ephesians 6:10 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
• 1 Chronicles 29:11 – Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.
• 2 Timothy 1:7 – For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Reflection

What do these verses tell us about God’s power and our own? First, he is all powerful and everything is his. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s. Nothing is impossible with him. Second, we learn that we should be strong in him and his might. Lastly, we see that, he gave us a spirit of power, love, and self-control.

This means that we are powerful as we use his strength and power. We should also use that power on love and with self-control.

God doesn’t want us to fear or feel weak. We let the world take away his power from us. We let our insecurities make is vulnerable to sin and weakness.

I know it’s easier said than done to claim his power. He gives it to us. I often feel weak and powerless as I want to give everyone and help everyone first. Sacrifice is good but if we aren’t taking care of ourselves, we can’t help anyone.

So, how do you feel? Are you claiming and uses God’s power and strength or feeling weak and powerless? What steps can you take to regain your power?

I know I will turn to prayer to see what and God is challenging me to use his power in the right ways.

Challenge

To feel powerful, we nee stop find out why we feel powerless. Write down a few things that take you feel weak or without choice. Next, ask God for guidance on those specific things. Finally, take steps to change that situation. Baby steps led by God is the way to do it.

Prayer

Lord God, you want us to be strong and courageous. Often we feel weak and powerless. We pray for guidance and support. Help us to see what is making us feel weak. Give us strategies to change our lives through your word and strength. Let us become powerful through your will, your ways, and your word. We ask this in your name, Amen.