The Power of God

Human beings long for God's power, and we can do everything we can to harness it. We could characterize religion as humanity's attempt to harness the power of God. We believe religious activities or specific works will gain you God's favor and therefore his power will be with you.

As Christians, we should understand what the Bible says about God's power. 

God can do anything He wills, but God can only do that which is consistent with his character. God can do all that which is logically possible, but he cannot make a square circle. He cannot make a rock so big that even He cannot lift it.

God has the ability to do anything he pleases that is aligned with His will and His other attributes. God is powerful in relation to His holiness, love, mercy, grace, majesty, and the other attributes the Bible ascribes to God. 

God's power is seen in believers as they live their lives worthy of God. Look at what the writer of 1 Chronicles said when he writes about David's prayer,

11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. - 1 Chronicles 29:11-12

In David's prayer he is stating the truth of the power of God, and giving that power to the people. God who is all-powerful accomplishes the purpose He has, and it always works for the glory of God to been seen everywhere. 

1 Samuel 4 tells a story where the Israelites did not lose once, but twice to the Philistine army; and in the story the Israelites lost the ark of the covenant to the Philistine army. The Israelites, after they lost the first time, decided to bring the ark to the camp that it may turn the battle in their favor. It brought fear to the Philistine army, but it did not help the Israelite army win the battle.

The Israelite army looked to the Ark for power and not to God. They had made the ark a idol in their lives. It brings the question to us today: if we look to God for power in our life or do we look to our church attendance, tithing record, the amount of good we do, and all of our works?

Jesus is speaking to the disciples tell them that will receive power from the Holy Spirit to make the name of Jesus known where it is not yet known. God does not give us power that we may gain wealth, fame, and recognition. We are given the power of God to go make the name of Jesus known by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.