“When we are
powerless to do a thing, it is a great joy that
we can come and step inside the ability of Jesus.”
-Corrie Ten Boom
The
word, “Powerless,” usually brings out negative reaction or emotion.
It’s been given a bad reputation and connotation. In our day and
age we are told we have the power to change anything, obtain all and those who
consider themselves powerless are weak and lazy. Everything in our
society tells us to take charge and be empowered. Key phrases such
as “do it yourself” lead us to believe that we must do more; achieve more in
order to obtain power. Throughout history we have seen that people
will do just about anything to secure power. Strange thing is most people will
tell you that after they achieve a high level of power they have to work at an
extremely high level to keep and guard that power. There is always
someone coming up right behind them in hopes of taking their power. It then
spins you in a constant chaos with no sense of peace. You are
constantly trying to outdo the next guy. However, God’s word tells
us differently.
The
World Says:
*You
should be able to handle and figure this out.
*I’m
not addicted; I can stop if and when I want to.
God
Says:
*You are powerless that’s why you needed a
savior.
“For were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” -Romans 5:6
“I know that nothing
good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to
do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." Romans 7:18
You
could have all the tools in the world and still be powerless because our power
is nothing compared to the one who created us.
The
beauty of powerlessness:
*It
leaves you in peace because you don’t have to scramble or overwhelm yourself
with trying to fix everything. You are trusting God to take care
of it and turn it around and He is perfect and able. You are
powerless because He is powerful. You are empowered not through
yourself, but of who is in you. “So
he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by
power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.” -Zechariah 4:6
*The
only way to fulfill your calling is by being filled by the empowerment of the
Holy Spirit (quote from my pastor Jon Burgess)
*It
humbles you. There is nothing like acknowledging that you are
unable to change, control or fix something to humble you. It
pushes pride aside.
*It
glorifies God. It magnifies His works. It allows you
to have a testimony to help others.
*It
shows where we put our trust. You will know where you put your
trust when you begin to examine how you are feeling through the day.
Are you tired, frustrated and/or constantly overwhelmed? If
so, that usually is a big clue that you are trying to control and fix a
situation or person.
*It allows God to work. It gets us out of His way. It is an act of faith.
I
pray that God shows each of you all the places you are powerless in your lives
in order to free you from the anguish that comes with trying to control
everything. I pray that He shows up in great measure with His
power and that His power is undeniable in your life. We must
remember that by giving up our power, we give the power to Jesus and there is no
safer place to be.
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