She wasn't crazy about getting up, breaking camp, donning a backpack or
walking uphill, but my secret weapon always helped her.
My
daughter could outwalk me during the day, but morning wasn't her
specialty. Eating breakfast, stuffing her sleeping bag, packing the tent
and her backpack were accomplished in slow motion. Headache and
stomachaches were also common.
Since we had time constraints on
the miles we hiked to our destination, time was precious. But I had one
thing that increased her energy and picked up her pace: M & M's. One
pack of these colored marvels and she'd leave me, headaches and
stomachaches behind.
Power energizes, and the early church needed
it to accomplish their assigned mission of telling the world about
Jesus' sacrifice on Calvary and his ensuing resurrection. But Jesus
cautioned them not to attempt the task prematurely: You will receive
power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Jesus' early followers probably wondered how they'd complete an
apparent impossible undertaking. I've wondered the same with jobs God
has assigned me. And none of our God given duties can be apart from the
power of his Spirit. He indwells permanently and thoroughly and supplies
the energy and wisdom to do whatever God asks. Teach a class. No
problem. Love an unlovable co-worker. Not an issue. Give to God's work
when the bank account is low. Easily accomplished.
The list may
appear endless but seeking God's direction and depending on the power he
supplies always results in success. What has God asked of you that
you've been afraid to do?
Prayer: God, enable us to trust Your
power to help us accomplish what You ask.
Martin Wiles
Hodges, South Carolina, USA