You Have the Power

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:20).

Too many Christians I know think they don't have the ability to witness and make disciples as the Great Commission commands. I hear comments to this effect all the time. This shows they're trying to rely on their own abilities, instead of turning to the power of the Holy Spirit within them. It's a huge mistake many Christians make in trying to live a Christian life, obedient to God. They attempt to do it on their own.

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with the power from on high (Luke 24:49).

If we could have obeyed God's commandments on our own, Jesus wouldn't have had to come to earth and died as our sin sacrifice on the cross. But we couldn't, and He did. And before he ascended into heaven, He promised us a Teacher, Guide, and Comforter. In fact, He told the disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit to come to them before they started their ministry. After the Holy Spirit descended on them at Pentecost, Peter and the disciples with him had over 3,000 converts in one day.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8).

We underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit. He lives within us, and all we have to do is submit. He can give us the courage and words to fulfill God's purpose. In fact, God can use the humble much easier than those who think they have the ability. When we know we must rely on the Holy Spirit, we can do so much more. Pray about it.

____________________________________________________