The Silent Power of God
Photo image courtesy Nancy C. Williams
For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
– 2 Corinthians 13:4 (NKJV)
As I watch a flurry of bumblebees zooming around my lavender patch, I’m amazed at the power of God. The complexity of His design to catapult these bulky little bodies into flight is mind-boggling—a miracle of engineering.
Usually when we contemplate the infinite power of our Almighty God, we think big. Our minds automatically imagine hurricanes battering our shorelines, huge blasts of volcanos erupting into new mountains, or the moon’s massive tug on our tides.
Or we think small. We hear the miracle of a newborn baby’s cry, watch a green sprout appear from a miniscule seed, or experience the unexpected warmth and glow of the tiniest candle flame.
Life, on the grand or microscopic scale, is a testimony to God’s majesty. His strength is endless.
But do we ever think of His quietness?
Our Creator is the invisible God, yet He is always with us. He remains soundlessly in the background, guiding our circumstances, preparing us, providing for us. We seldom think of His formidable, holy, silent presence.
The prophet Elijah experienced this when he heard of death threats from Jezebel and fled in despair. When Elijah wound up in a cave on Mount Horeb, God called him to come outside. As the Lord passed by, a gale-force wind tore up rocks on the mountain. It was followed by an immense earthquake and fire—all loud, noisy spectacles.
But when Elijah stepped outside, he found God in the still, small voice speaking to him. God ignited a new spark in Elijah, restored his courage, and ordered him to return to His people (see 1 Kings 19).
Like Elijah, we fall into the same trap of discouragement when evil voices in the world drown out our remembrance of God’s faithful strength. We pray for big miracles and become disheartened when there are no signs and wonders. I’ve asked for just the tiniest glimpses of His power when I needed relief from trials only to be disappointed when nothing tangible materialized.
God has used these seasons, though, to plant His seeds of trust in my heart. In quiet moments with Him, studying His word, I am learning that His powerful authority is still at work, often in its greatest scope.
Friend, you and I have a mighty God. He controls the entire universe and our fragile planet. Think of the size of our sun, governing our entire solar system, and yet it’s a tiny star in God’s hands. Think of the size of the human body, fashioned out of cells and chemicals that somehow work together to give us life. What kind of infinite power can generate all of this?
It’s the same, gentle power God exercises every second, every breath in your life. And, it’s born out of His everlasting love for you, a love that continues to prevail over death, through the power of His Son Jesus Christ.
Let’s go forth together in His strength today and remember His faithfulness. Even in His silence.
Questions for Reflection:
1. How has God demonstrated His power in your life?
2. What are some ways you can remind yourself that God’s strength is always with you?
3. Underline evidence of God’s power in your Scripture reading today. And, look for ways to praise Jesus when He offers you glimpses of His glory in your life.
