POWER
The above photo was taken in Roatan Honduras on one of our Caribbean cruises. As we visited different islands, we discovered that the power poles are often overloaded with lines coming from every direction with squiggles and coils and bunches of wires shoved every which way. We thought our electrician son Nathan might find these glimpses of island electricity interesting. I find it kind of scary. I wondered when I might see a shower of sparks followed by an island-wide power outtage.
the island of Dominica sports a tangle of live wires
the island of Grenada -- looks like they're trying to keep it neat
Actually, it's not just the Caribbean islands that have questionable power poles. This scrambled bunch of electric lines are on the island of Mykonos in Greece. And yes, I do take pictures of the most random things sometimes.
There is method to my madness, however, and I do see a message in these coiled lengths of wiring that conduct electricity from one side of the island to the other side. I'm reminded of the importance of the flow of electricity to create power -- power to operate a mixer, hair dryer, computer, lamp. Without power from the electric lines, these items would sit useless.
We as Christians get our power from God Himself and without His power coursing through us, well, we're kind of useless too. Psalm 62:11 reminds us, "That power belongs to God." We might say that God the Holy Spirit is the power station that gives us the "all-surpassing power" to do great things in His name. Jesus said, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me...to the end of the earth" Acts 1:8.
But, just as we need to plug into the power grid to receive power to run our devices, Christians need to "plug into" the power God offers to accomplish good works for Him. Too often we try to do things in our own power and strength -- that's kind of what human nature does. It's like the grape vine that's not attached to the vine. Jesus says, "Without Me, you can do nothing" John 15. But praise God, "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me."
So, next time you're facing a difficult task, don't forget to plug into the all-surpassing power of the One Who is your greatest help. Paul reminds us, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" Ephesians 6:10.
And -- I don't think we'll ever need to worry about scrambled lines or power outages between our needs and God's mighty power.
Remember the old hymn, "There is power, power, power in the blood, in the precious blood of the lamb." Written in 1899, by Lewis Edgar Jones.
