Power Restored

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sally, I have taken notice of two glorious words…”Power Restored”.  These two words have been passionately shouted and shared with family, friends, neighbors and especially posted on social media.  Being without power after many storms in my life, I completely understand and can relate to the immediate joy and gratitude when the power clicks on.

It made me think of the spiritual power that is restored when we receive Jesus into our life.  In the beginning, man was created in His image, and God desired to walk and have fellowship with His creation (Genesis 3:8), but sin came into this world and separated us from our creator.  In fact, Paul states that we were enemies of God before coming to Christ.  (Romans 5:10) When we believe the Gospel, (“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” – Romans 10:17), repent of our sins, surrender and receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we also receive the Holy Spirit as Jesus promised to the disciples just prior to His ascension.  The power of the Holy Spirit is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead after He died for us at Calvary imputing His righteousness to us as believers in exchange for all of our sins.  He was raised on the third day to be seated at the right hand of the Father, and He was given all authority in heaven, on earth and under the earth.

In Romans 8:11 Paul tells us of this power: 

11But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

And Paul refers to this same power in Ephesians 1:19-23:

19And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Final thought: 

I am certainly not making light of the incredible devastation, suffering and even loss of life following a powerful storm.  I am simply stating that we appreciate the simple luxuries of life so much more when we do not have them.  How much more should we appreciate His unspeakable gift?  In fact, according to the Apostle Paul, we should “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)  Our Creator has given us eternal life through His son and the “Power of Christ” is in us right now by way of the Holy Spirit, providing us hope while we are sojourners in this world.  John 16:33 says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

I encourage you to stay focused on the things above and not on the circumstances that surround you.  You may ask how is this possible?  As believers our power has been eternally restored through Jesus Christ.  So, let us give honor and glory to God the Father by letting His power shine brightly through us as Ambassadors for Christ.