Show Your Power
Are you someone who likes to see power exerted? Think of superheroes: Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman. In today’s superhero world, there is a battle between DC Comics and Marvel Comics to see who is the most powerful. Maybe you see power exerted in sports. The bigger, faster, stronger team beating up on the underdog. Or the neighborhood bully chasing the scrawny little kid. We say someone “flexes their muscles” as a way to show power or strength.
Isn’t it true that when we show our power, when we flex our muscles, it is to gain an advantage. It is for our benefit. The idea of human power almost always deals with physical strength or physical resources. That strength, those resources, used in some way to achieve our own desires. A wealthy person uses their wealth to get what they want. For much of history, white men have been in “power,” usually at the expense of everyone else. Human power is almost always selfish and self-serving in nature.
Now let me contrast the self-centered concept of human power with the incomparable power of
God. I will define the power of God simply as His ability to accomplish His will in every situation. In Hebrew, the title God Almighty is El Shaddai, meaning the all-powerful one. We are first introduced to this title when God appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty, walk before me, and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1). Power is an inherent characteristic of God, the result of his nature (Romans 1:20).
God’s power is beyond measure. In Ephesians 1:19-21, the apostle Paul refers to the immeasurable greatness of God’s power. Allow me to dig a little deeper here. The Greek word Paul uses for greatness is megethos, meaning strong or great. It appears that in Paul’s mind, this did not adequately describe God’s power. So, he added the word immeasurable (incomparable, surpassing), which in Greek is hyberballon, which can be defined as “to throw beyond the usual mark,” or to excel or pass. God has power far beyond anything we can measure.
We can rely on the power of God. We begin by re-orienting ourselves to God’s available resources and away from our frailty. We find these words in 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” And in Ephesians – “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (3:20).
So, why would Almighty God give us His power? I believe first and foremost, to declare His glory. God’s power also helps to transform our lives and the world around us. It grows our faith. It gives us strength. It sustains us when life is against us. We use God’s power to be His witnesses to those around us. And I can say for me, it is only by and through God’s power that I can remain faithful to the end.
God’s power is transformative. It protects us. It enables us to do what is impossible. God’s power is resurrection power. God’s power is found in His presence. Has it been a long time since you felt the presence of God and witnessed the power of God? If so, why not ask Him right now to “show your power!” Make this your plea – “Our God, show your strength! Show us once again” (Psalm 68:28, CEV). God comes in power when we call upon His name!
Postscript: At the 2015 Vineyard Global Pastor’s Conference, we had one of the most impactful times of worship that I have ever experienced. This song (click here) is part of an extended worship set after the last evening’s session. I encourage you to listen in. To this day, I can say that the presence and power of God was undeniable. So real. So intimate. So overwhelming. So beautiful. I still get goosebumps. I long for more of those moments! God, show your power!
If you are encouraged by this or any of my writings, you can subscribe to be notified by email when I post something new. To subscribe, click here. Once you put in your email address you will then get an email confirming that you wish to subscribe. Thank you.