ICS Daily Devotions
Power

2 Corinthians 4:7,10(NKJV) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us…. always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

The earthen vessel can be a cheap decoration in the home. In the olden times, it was made out of clay. It is worthless once it is broken and will be thrown out. We are earthen vessels since we are made of dust. However, it is different when there is a godly treasure in the vessel because it adds value to it. God is in us. 1 Corinthians 3:16 reminds us that we are God’s temple, and the Spirit of God lives in us. We have been bought by the blood of Jesus Christ therefore we have to take care of this body well.

We should concentrate on who is IN us rather than who we are, what we have and what we can do on our own. It is especially important to draw upon God’s strength when we are stressed out. The scripture says that the power may be of God and not of us. Therefore, the secret of weathering a crisis is found in the power of God that resides in us! So, what is that power?

It is a power which overcomes resistance or effects a change.

There is an intrinsic power or inherent ability that strengthens us as we go through the process of a challenging time. It is made available to believers only. The power grants us the ability to function despite the stress in our lives. The power is residing inside us therefore His strength is manifested in our weakness. It is not an adrenalin rush that is sustaining us but the power of the resurrected Christ that sustains us when we are hard-pressed on every side. We are made aware that we are able to go through the period of suffering because of God’s strength being made available to us.

2 Corinthians 12:9a (NKJV) And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

We are able to take heart that the power is in us. There is the grace of God that infuses strength into our hearts in the midst of our sufferings. Grace is equal to God’s power and ability that support us during times of weakness.

When God’s grace is sufficient for us, it means that God Almighty gives us a supernatural deposit or endowment of inner strength, gifting, ability, know-how, understanding, knowledge and favor which first lead us to salvation, and help us stand in victory and serve God. God’s grace helps us with the pace of life—the stressed and overloaded lives we often face. We need God’s grace especially during those times when we are weak and helpless! There is a strengthening of the inner man through the power of the Holy Spirit which gives us the ability to face any situation.

If you believe this, then say it, “God’s intrinsic and inherent power is working within me to give me the ability, strength, wisdom, might and capability to deal with the current situation. God’s grace is sufficient for me because His strength is fully manifested in my weakness. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”.

Sermon Series: I Believe Therefore I Speak