Power

We are making our way through a letter Paul wrote to Jesus followers in Corinth. Today, Paul reminds us about a very important (but sadly underused) source of power.


1 Corinthians 2
1 When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. 2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness - timid and trembling. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.


Power. I hope this passage encourages you when it comes to sharing your faith. Part of our responsibility, as Jesus followers (and one of our passions at Eastside), is to reach out to the people God has placed in our “circle of influence” (our family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc.) and share with them our life story ... what we have “seen and heard” (check out Acts 4:18-20) in our relationship with God. I think we are sometimes afraid to take this step in our journey because we don’t think we are wise enough or clever enough or persuasive enough; but as you can see they aren’t prerequisites. What God is really looking for is humility and graciousness and compassion ... and a little preparation. I would encourage you to take some time this weekend and write out your life story. What was life like before you experienced Jesus? What was it like when you accepted God’s offer of grace? What has life been like since you began following Him? I hope what you will find is a reminder that it wasn’t some creative presentation that transformed your life; but the power of God. I think what you will find is the courage and conviction to share your life story with someone you care about ... so that they can experience the power of God for themselves.