When You Feel Powerless
For several years, I was part of a four-man team that made an annual trek to Kenya to provide theological and pastoral training to pastors. Kenyans had an eagerness for the gospel, new churches were popping up, and men were stepping up to preach and lead these churches. Schools were founded, and we were happy to support and train these eager men and women.
When I first arrived in Busia to teach, I was pleased to see they had a library with two key components:
- Books. A retired church leader donated his entire library to the school, and it was significant.
- A computer. Someone else had donated a PC. With this computer, students could have an electronic catalog of the library, as well as access to other electronic books and the Internet.
Only one problem. The school had no electricity. These Kenyan pastors would’ve happily taken advantage of all the computer could do for them, but they would have to wait until power came to the school.
If you are a follower of Jesus, He has a place of service for you. Yes, you! Many of us look at our meager talents and abilities and wonder: what can I do of significance for God? The honest answer is nothing. That is true of all of us. We can’t do anything for God. That is, we can’t do anything for God unless …
… we humble ourselves before Him.
… we look to Him in absolute dependence.
… He empowers us by His Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me” (John 15:5, emphasis added).
Elisha was serving as an assistant/apprentice to the prophet Elijah. The time was coming for Elijah’s ministry to end, but Elisha would pick up the mantle and take on the role of prophet. Elijah knew that. Elisha knew that. It seems everyone knew that. But Elisha knew he couldn’t take on this task unless …
“Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken from you.’ So Elisha answered, ‘Please, let me inherit two shares of your spirit’” (2 Kings 2:9).
Elisha knew that Elijah’s service and ministry had nothing to do with his own talents; it all had to do with the presence of God.
Let’s get back to your service for God. God’s call on your life may have to do with Elisha-sized tasks or He may want you to quietly show the love of Jesus to a handful of messy preschoolers. No matter the task, you need His Holy Spirit to do it.
We can have all the right tools, training, and skill, but without the presence and empowering of God’s Holy Spirit, we will accomplish nothing. I am thankful God has not left us alone. He doesn’t just show us what to do; He gives us the ability to do it.
“His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Pet. 1:3).
We are unstoppable when we rely on God’s unstoppable Holy Spirit.
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This post supports the study “God’s Hand in Calling Us to Serve“ in Bible Studies for Life and YOU.
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