Leonid Padun: "2013 - the year of power"
8 January 2013
“God has decreed that you will be powerful” (Ps.68:28).
The lack of power is one of the main problems of modern society. People try hard to hide their impotence behind the barriers of power, finance, and relationships when inside they are weak and helpless. If a trouble comes, most succumb to fear and panic, give up and give in.
But when we look at the life of God’s people we see a completely different picture! And it’s not that there were no problems in their life – they’d had enough. But thanks to the power of God they overcame and came out victorious!
Having studied the life of the Apostle Paul some scientists came to the conclusion that no person could live that kind of life, and not “break”. “I have worked much harder than they have. I have been in prison more often. I have been hurt more in beatings. I have been near death many times. Five times the Jews have given me their punishment of lashes with a whip. Three different times I was beaten with rods. One time I was almost killed with rocks. Three times I was in ships that were wrecked, and one of those times I spent the night and the next day in the sea. In my constant traveling I have been in danger from rivers, from thieves, from my own people, and from people who are not Jews. I have been in danger in cities, in places where no one lives, and on the sea. And I have been in danger from people who pretend to be believers but are not. I have done hard and tiring work, and many times I did not sleep. I have been hungry and thirsty. Many times I have been without food. I have been cold and without clothes. And there are many other problems. One of these is the care I have for all the churches. I worry about each group of believers every day” (2 Cor. 11:23-28).
And after all of this, at the end of his life, Paul joyfully proclaims: “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have served the Lord faithfully. Now, a prize is waiting for me — the crown that will show I am right with God. The Lord, the judge who judges rightly, will give it to me on that Day. Yes, he will give it to me and to everyone else who is eagerly looking forward to his coming”. (2 Tim. 4:7-8).
How is this possible? When God gives you His strength! Not only the knowledge and understanding, but the force with which you can overcome all and achieve any goal!
Joy is one of the sources of power. It is written: “Be anxious of nothing, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehem.8:10). When in spite of all the difficulties, all the circumstances you begin to rejoice in the Lord, rejoice over His glory and victory in your life, the power of God comes and fills you in! The power of God strengthens your spirit, your soul, and the you are ready to move the mountains!
It happens so that you know and understand how to do something but do not have this kind of power. The Bible says that even young people get tired and weak, “But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired”. (Is.40: 31).
God will give you strength and you fulfill that to which he has called you. Nothing is impossible for the one who is strong in the Lord! Where others give up, where others give in, you will go on and on, until like a mighty hero, as the winner you enter into the Heaven itself!
