In2theRiver

Good morning from Westminster, MD!

Do I really believe in it, or do I just pay it lip service? Do I expect to see it, or would I miss it completely? Is it changing my life, or do I live as if it does not exist? These questions have been rattling around in my head for the past month or so. What is “it”? The Power of God.

I have recently been challenged on this subject by conversations with a couple of friends in Nicaragua. They did not intend to challenge me as far as I know, but the stories of their recent experiences with the Power of God through the Holy Spirit produced a certain tension in me. Their stories were filled with expectancy, humility, and trust.

They expected to see the Power of God as they walked through their day. They humbly recognized that the Power of God came from the Holy Spirit and not from themselves. They trusted the outcome to God. The results- life change, healing, growth, hope and joy to name a few. In many ways, their stories remind me of the early church described in the book of Acts in the Bible. They are living out the words of Acts 1:8- “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

While the impact on their own lives has been exciting to watch, their impact on the lives of others has been incredible. Instead of being turned off by their new passion to live for Jesus, people who were previously far from God have been drawn in. In fact, I would say the change in their lives is what was so attractive. People who were far from God saw a glimpse of the Power of God and found themselves wanting more. It was Jesus shining through the lives of my friends rather than my friends themselves that was so attractive.

This is what challenges me. Do I live expecting to see God move? If I did see God move through me, would I just think it was something I had done? Does my lack of expectancy impact my ability to point people who are far from God to Jesus, the only real source of life-changing hope? I would have to say yes.

I am still wrestling with this new found tension, but one thing is for sure- I want to experience more of the Power of God. I want to live with expectancy. I want to have eyes to see God move. I want my life to reflect Jesus in a way that draws people to God. I want my life to be different because of the Power of God.

– James Belt