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The Greek word for “power” is “dunamis,” the same word we use for “dynamite.” The New Testament uses this Greek word about 120 times.
The message is clear, our life with Jesus should reflect capability beyond our normal strength and wisdom. New Testament “dunamis” also implies “ability of God” and can also mean “latent” or “potential.”
We all possess the latent and potential power of God!
Paul writes in Romans 8:11. . .
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you (NLT).
With the same Spirit who raised Jesus dwelling within us, we should be excited about the power we have within. The Apostle Paul even prays that we understand the potential of this power. . .
I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20a).
And to make sure that we realize our power in Christ, Paul prays a second time in Ephesians that. . .
You will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God (Ephesians 3:19b).
Do we understand this power, and do we walk fully in the power of God? All of us have prayed without answers, attempted with failure, and set unfulfilled goals, and yet does Scripture mock us when it says. . .
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
I believe the message of the Bible is clear: we have power at our disposal, an unlimited ability, the kind that can move mountains and shake demonic strongholds. But do we believe this? Does our experience reveal this power?
Probably not. What can we do?
- Ask God daily to work His power through us. Jesus said, “You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it” (John 14:13a).
- Ask for wisdom. Have a learning, not a defeated, posture in the face of failure. We will ask amiss, and life’s complications make it difficult to understand God’s will. Fortunately, the Book of James promises wisdom if we ask with faith (James 1:5-8).
- Ask for patience. Over and over the Bible teaches suffering in relation to power. As Paul writes, “If we share in the glory of Jesus we must also share in His sufferings” (Romans 8:17b).
Today, seasoned believers, walking in the fullness of God’s Spirit and power, are needed more than ever, and must rise to break demonic strongholds, preach the gospel with power, and be changed into His likeness.
Amen to power, amen for wisdom, amen in patience!