Epic Family,
Do you ever feel powerless when it comes to the things you want to see happen in your life? Maybe there’s something specific you want to see take place in the life of your child or in the life of your company. Your desire is strong, but you don’t feel like you have what it takes to make it happen. Perhaps there’s something you wish was different in our city or in our country, but again, you just don’t possess the power necessary to make the difference you want to see.
There are so many things that I want to see happen - in my life, in my family, in our church, and in our city. And sometimes I feel so much pressure because I think it all depends on me. But at other times, I think these things are impossible because I know I don’t have everything it takes to make them happen. If you can relate to either of these or both of them, I want to show you how to access a greater power. God has given me some insights in my personal time of reading Acts 3 & 4.
When Acts 3 begins, we see Peter and John going to the temple for a time of prayer. At the same time, a lame man was being carried to the temple gate, where he spent every day begging for money. When this man saw Peter and John, he asked them for money. He had thought to himself, “The best possible thing these guys can offer me is their money.” They did not have any money to give him, but they offered him something way better. Peter said to him, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” In what must have been quite a scene, the man jumped to his feet and began to walk. This won’t surprise you, but this event called quite a stir in Jerusalem. Here’s the question everyone was left with after this miracle happened: Where did this power come from?
Acts 3:12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?”
Acts 3:16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.
The first thing Peter does is let this crowd know where this power does NOT come from. Peter isn’t the one who has made this happen. We can experience the power of God in our lives, without having to be responsible to provide that power. Peter explains where this power actually comes from. This power has come from the name of Jesus.
Here is something we’ve been saying at Epic for years: In every situation, there is a part for God to play and a part for us to play. When it comes to this power, that part belongs to God. He is able to do what we cannot do. With God, all things are possible. But we do have a part to play. Our part comes directly from verse 16 - “By faith in the name of Jesus”. When the Romans would talk about the name of Caesar, they implied all of the power and authority of the emperor. Jesus said that ALL power and authority belongs to Him. You and I can access the power of Jesus through our faith in Him.
Where do you need God’s power to show up in your life?
Is there anything you’ve given up on, simply because you couldn’t make it happen yourself? Let me encourage you to not give up, but transfer your dependence on yourself to dependence on God.
Is there anything you’re desperate to see happen, but it literally feels impossible right now? Express to God that you believe He can make it possible.
May God’s power show up in your life.
Much Love,
