On July 1 Canadians celebrate Canada Day – the day of the adoption of the British North America Act. This act declared that Canada would become an independent territory of England and that it would have its own federal government. As a result, the modern-day country of Canada was born!

In commemoration of this special day this year, I noticed an article in the newspaper that asked the following question:

“What is a Canadian?”

The answer was simple. “It is an immigrant with power.”

This led me to ask myself the following question: What is a Christian? Isn’t it a sinner with power?

Just imagine for a moment that you are an immigrant to Canada and you have just been officially sworn in as a Canadian citizen. You feel however, that you are not deserving of such an honour, and you continue to live like you did before you became a citizen. You neglect your many privileges, you refuse to vote, and eventually you start to complain about Canadian politics.

One of your biggest desires is to travel outside of Canada. You don’t trust the system however, so you don’t apply for a passport. Or perhaps someone accuses you falsely, but because you refuse representation from a lawyer, you are thrown in jail. Who can trust the legal system anyway?

Eventually you end up bitter and defeated, wishing you could go back to your country of birth.

The same is true if you don’t believe in the promises God has given you. You have the power, but unless you apply it, it remains useless!

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV)

“God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” (Eph 3:20 The Message)

Your inner void can be filled to the brim with the loving presence of your Heavenly Father. Your victory is guaranteed, but only if you claim it. Don’t let yourself feel defeated. Grab what God has offered you and enjoy being a “real” citizen of heaven.

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 15:57 NIV)

Do you have a passport?

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Filling the Void” devotional series, please click here.)