Where we have our onsite ministry, utilities are included in our weekly rent. That’s a very convenient package deal. But what happens when folks don’t pay their weekly rent -after a grace period- is that instead of being evicted, their power is turned off first. That means no lights, microwave, stove, television, air conditioning, or warm water.
I’ve been reminded of the pain of powerlessness recently. We reached out to a family without power, and ended up having a precious little girl overnight. She reveled in a warm bath and hair-washing, eating supper and bedtime snacks, sharing stories and addressing fears. I gave her paper and crayons, and next thing I knew she was offering me a picture and a beautifully scribbled thank you note. As I tucked her in bed, she admitted that she gets afraid at night and often ends up in bed with her mom. Then she looked at me with wide, smiling eyes and said, “But I’m not afraid here. This is a Jesus house!”
What a bold witness her words were to me. Not by our might, not by our power, but by His Spirit. The power is ON!
“… God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5
The power is on. How I thank God for that reminder! Not long ago I was burdened by another situation involving children we serve. My husband and I were sitting in our car after a morning of ministry. I was pouring my heart out and had just finished saying that if God didn’t show up in these children’s lives, there was no hope…. Suddenly, without touching my phone and without giving any voice command, music started playing from my phone. I know it sounds crazy and impossible (yes, it is!), BUT GOD interrupted our conversation, addressing our powerlessness and reminding us that HE IS the power we need. “This is how I fight my battles. This is how I fight my battles! It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by You!”
The lyrics to “Surrounded” refer to 2 Kings 6, a story in which Elisha, a man of God, has made the enemy mad. And he and his servant wake up one morning to find that they are surrounded by a great enemy army. Elisha is not the least bit concerned, though. He tells the servant, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are against us.” (2 Kings 6:16). After that Elisha prays God will open his servant’s eyes to see. And God shows Elisha’s servant the unseen reality of His horses and chariots of fire, His power and provision ready and waiting to do battle on their behalf.
Glory to God! Be encouraged. All power is His. AND THE POWER IS ON!