The Power of Christ in You

     Lately, I have had to make a number of trips to various appointments that were canceled due to COVID.  I really don't mind because I enjoy driving my vehicle.  Of course, if something should ever break down on it, I would not have the faintest idea of what to do next except to call my husband or roadside assistance.  When it comes to understanding the lovely engine that sits under the hood, I am clueless but I certainly enjoy the get up and go that the engine provides.  I often think that those of us who claim the name of Jesus Christ are somewhat like that when it comes to understanding the power of Christ that resides within us.  We know we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit when we committed ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ but beyond that, we often take it for granted.  So here are some Scriptures to think about regarding the power of Christ in us.

     One of my favorite verses of Scripture comes from 2 Peter 1:3:  "...seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence."  Being in Christ means that we are equipped for the daily walk He has called us to.  We have everything we need for life and godliness.  Thats a "WOW" factor.  We are not incomplete in any way when the power of Christ dwells in us.  The world may try to tell us that we lack something or fall short, but God's Word says we have what we need on our journey.  This is the fuel for our spiritual engine.  God is our source, and He will never leave us nor forsake us.

     In addition, the power of Christ gives us a boldness to go forth in His name.  2 Timothy 1:7 tells us:  "But God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, of love and a sound mind."  The Holy Spirit gives us a soundness of mind in the decisions we make when we seek God first.  As we go to Him in prayer, and seek wisdom in His Word, He will give us the assurance we need to move ahead with the plans He has shown to us.  There is a stability in Christ that we cannot get in this world.  Satan brings confusion, fear of failure and uncertainty but when we are filled with the Spirit, we have assurance which leads to  peace in the decisions we make.

     Another feature of the power of Christ in us is that even when we face areas of weakness God is there to make us strong in Him.  2 Corinthians 12:9 tells us:  "And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Paul, like many of us, had a thorn in his flesh.  We do not know what type of chronic condition seemed to hold him back.  He prayed many times for this to be taken away.  However, God used it in his life to keep him humble and to demonstrate His almighty power in and through Paul.  What God did for Paul, He does in each one of us in the areas where we are weak that His glory may be seen.

     Finally having the power of Christ living in us means that we will one day be in heaven to dwell with Him eternally.  Likewise, as Christ's body rose from the grave, so our bodies will also be resurrected and we will be fitted with a new body imperishable.  What a glorious thought.  Romans 8:11 says:  "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."  No more sickness, death or tears will we have to shed because of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  His power resides in us so that we might live with Him for all eternity.

     We should marvel and thank God each day for all that He has given to us by the power of Christ living in our hearts.  He did not leave us as orphans when He ascended to the Father in Heaven.  Rather, He has provided His abiding power that enables us to live and walk daily in this world.  My car gets me where I want to go because I trust that my engine will do its job.  Likewise, we need to think about what the power of Jesus Christ living in us means for our daily walk with the Lord.  We have what we need to make this journey of life.  Do not let the enemy of your soul tell you otherwise.  No matter what the world may throw at us today or tomorrow.  They are no match for the power of Jesus Christ that lives in everyone who confesses Him as Lord and Savior.  Selah!