Day 52
I Corinthians 12:9
".... Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Paul realized that if we recognize that our weakness is irrelevant, we can cause the power of God to be activated in us. If we think we are able to do some things because of our own abilities and unable to do other things because of our lack of ability, we seriously limit ourselves. We foolishly neglect our true source of strength and fail to see the fulfillment of things we could have easily accomplished, if we had only had a different perspective.
As long as we feel able within ourselves, we tend to lean on our own strength. However, it can be to our advantage, at some point in time, to run out of our own abilities and need help beyond ourselves. As long as we can see how we can do it, we will depend on our expertise. It is only when we have run out that we are forced to draw on a power outside ourselves. It is then that we are able to enjoy seeing the power of God in manifestation.
We can learn to call on God's power upon us, in us and available to us, even when we feel strong and capable. However, Paul realized that when we feel totally inadequate, we have no choice but to depend on his power and no choice but to glorify Him for what is done.
There are several ways we can cause the power of God to be activated in us. Romans l: 16 says the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, or deliverance. As we become carriers of the gospel and acknowledge the power of God's Word, we can see that power work for us and through us.
Paul told Timothy to stir up the gift of God that was in him, for God had not given him a spirit of fear but power, love and a sound mind. We can stir up the power that is ours by resisting fear and stepping out in obedience to God's commands.
Jude said we should build up ourselves by praying in the Holy Spirit. Paul said in I Corinthians 14 that we charge up ourselves, or stir up power in ourselves by praying in tongues. Hebrews 4:12 tells us the Word of
God is alive and powerful. So, as we fill up on the Word, meditate it, speak it and build confidence in it, we will notice an increase of the manifestation of God's power in us.
I will depend on God's power instead of my own abilities, as an act of my will. I will resist fear and stir up the power of God in me by praying in the Holy Spirit. I will allow the Word to work in me. God's Word is power.