You Have the Power

One of Jesus' most awesome miracles was during a raging storm. The sky was black, winds were howling, waves were crashing, and the boat Jesus was on was filling up with water. Jesus' disciples just knew they were going to die.

Yet, Jesus stood up and calmly spoke to the storm. "Peace be still." Three words were spoken, and immediately everything calmed down. (Mark 4:39) The disciples couldn't believe it. They were shocked that even the winds and waves obeyed the words of Jesus.

Our Savior has assured us that the same power that was given to Him was given to us. We have the same authority to speak words of life that causes our situations to change. All we need is faith in Christ.

So, don't be consumed with the winds that are billowing. Even if it looks like you are about to sink, stay strong. Remember that Jesus Christ - the same man who brought peace to violent storms - lives on the inside of you. You don't have to be afraid. You don't have to fear that you will perish.

Just pull up you faith and use your authority. Command your situation to come in line with the word of God. Anchor your faith in Jesus trusting that He will cause the peace of God to come into your life. As you obey Him, the Lord will keep His word. He will cause all things to work together for your good.

Take hold of the power that Christ has given to you. Don't allow yourself to be beaten down by your circumstances or situations. You have the authority to call change to come. All you have to do is use it.

Verse of the Day: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. John 14:12

Recognizing God's Authority

In my studies today, I looked at the story of the centurion who came to Jesus in Caperneum. The centurion came to Jesus asking Him to heal the soldier's sick servant. There are a couple of details in this story that struck me and challenged me.

First: The centurion, a man who commanded at least 60-100 men, came to visit Jesus for the healing of his servant. The man was important. He said himself that he had many servants to tend to his wants and needs. Yet the anguish and turmoil of one man caused him to come to the Lord for an answer. The centurion's heart was so loving for one of his servants that he went out of his way to seek out Jesus to get Him to heal one of his men.

Are our hearts tuned in to those around us who serve? There are numerous men and women working hard every day, so that we have a better quality of life. No, we may not have servants in our homes, but there are many people whose services we use on a daily basis. Are we paying attention to their needs? Are we tuned into what is going on with them? Have we gone out of our way to get them the Answer for their needs?

Second: The centurion knew who to go to for an answer to a problem he could not solve. Who knows how the centurion came to know of Jesus. Maybe he heard Jesus preach and witnessed Jesus ministering healing to the sick with his own eyes. Or maybe the centurion had heard stories from other witnesses who had experienced Jesus first hand.

Either way, the centurion knew without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus was the answer for his need. He came to the Lord confidant that He could handle the situation. In fact, the soldier was so confident that he said that all Jesus had to do was say the word, and he knew his servant would be healed. The centurion recognized the power of Christ, and he knew how the process of authority worked. Because of the great power of Jesus, all it would take was His word for something to come to pass.

Are we aware - I mean really aware of the power that our God has? Do we recognize and respect the authority that He wields? When we come before His throne are we truly confident in His ability to answer us?

Because of the centurion's faith, his servant was healed within the hour. Jesus said Himself that day that many outside of the tribe of Israel would sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob because of their faith in God. (Matthew 8:11) Do we possess this kind of faith?

Today, take some time to meditate on the authority and power that Jesus has. Then, pray for someone that serves you. Ask God to meet their need, heal their heart, and grant them peace. Your great faith could cause someone's dire situation to turn completely around for the good.

Verse of the Day: The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.  For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Matthew 8:8-10