The apostles boldly went out into the world preaching the message of a crucified and risen Savior! How were such sinful and often fearful men able to take on such a huge job like that? The power came from the Holy Spirit, which Jesus poured out on them on the day of Pentecost!
Do you know what's really exciting? The Spirit is just as powerful as ever, and He is working in you! Look at what He has done. By nature you were dead in sins, but through the Spirit's power in the water and Word of Baptism, you are now alive in Christ. How is it that you recognize and confess Jesus as the Son of God who suffered your burden of guilt on the cross? It is the Spirit at work within you.
Would you like more power for daily life? Don't count on your own abilities or strength. Look to the Spirit's power as He works in you through the Word. The more time you spend with the Word, both privately and in fellowship with other believers, the more the Spirit will work in you. Would you like to be a more courageous witness for the Lord — and yet find yourself reasoning, "I can't do it . . . I don't know what to say or how to say it"? Look to the Spirit. Count on His power to give you the strength to confess Jesus as Lord and Savior to your family, friends, co-workers, and any others whose lives touch yours.
Never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit. A tornado can move a house, but the Spirit can move the heart! A fire can ignite a forest, but the Spirit can set a life on fire! As Paul says: "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power (1 Corinthians 2:4-5).
That is real power!
— From the Lutheran Spokesman |
