His Presence Is Our PassionSample

God’s Power In Us

When Jesus started his ministry, he did a strange thing first. We’re told that the Spirit led him into the desert to be tested for forty days. We don’t know what most of that time was like for him, but we do get a glimpse of some of the temptations he faced. The temptation he faced was whether he would rely on God’s power or try to do life in his strength. Luke tells us that Jesus resisted the temptation and returned from the desert “in the power of the Spirit”(Luke 4.14). Everything he did from then on modeled how we are to live, relying on the power of God.

Interestingly this was the reason Jesus gave his disciples when he instructed them to wait for the Holy Spirit. He said they would “receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them”(Acts 1.8). Throughout the book of Acts, we frequently see that the believers are ‘filled with’ or ‘full of’ the Holy Spirit, and God does amazing things in those moments. His presence provides divine insight and discernment; there’s a release of miraculous power or supernatural guidance; often, outsiders encounter God through these experiences of the Spirit’s power, and many come to faith.

We all long for more of God’s reality intervening in our world, and the Bible teaches us that the key is a growing dependence upon the Holy Spirit. Jesus often withdrew in solitude to spend time with the Father. And in a world with constant on-demand distractions, we need to learn to embrace silence and solitude, to seek after the presence of God and wait upon the Lord. In many ways, mature faith is a firm conviction that only what God does is of real value and lasting significance. Because unless the Lord builds the house, we’re wasting our time and effort.

The Power Of Being Loved

In Ephesians 3, Paul profoundly connects prayer, the Holy Spirit, and our experience of God’s power. You might be familiar with the incredible promise of God’s super-abundance at work in us, found in verse 20. If not, check it out. Paul is saying that we have been given the fullness of all that God is through our adoption into God’s family. God’s unchanging love has secured our unlimited access to His presence. Nothing can separate us from His love and rob us of His presence.

The only constraint is whether or not we realize how much Jesus has given us. Only a lack of understanding, doubts, fears, or shame can rob us of this treasure. That is why Paul prays for a fresh revelation of how much God loves us. Because as I become more secure in this new identity, His presence empowers a transformed life.

We are so passionate about the presence of God because only God can bring real change and freedom. When we rely on God’s presence, His power brings a revival. Our God is the God of the supernatural, the God of miracles. He’s the one who can change hearts and minds. Our God is the one who can supply what is lacking. He’s the one who can heal and restore. The presence of the living God in us brings new life.

We hope that the power of God will continue to sustain you through all the challenges and opportunities you face. That’s not something that we ‘wish’ would happen. We are confident that you will witness the power of God at work in and through you. As we align our lives with the One who made us and has saved us; and seek His presence in each moment, we will experience His power shaping our thinking and behavior. In His time, God will give us the wisdom and energy to live the life he has planned for us. And then, as we carry His presence into our homes and workplaces, His power will continue to reach and transform others, bringing light, hope, and life wherever we go.

Reflection Questions

1. When have I experienced or witnessed God’s power?
2. What is one thing I need a fresh filling of God’s power for?
3. Where in my world can I carve out some silence and solitude to pursue more of God’s presence?