Neal Pollard

Henry Rogers’ house in Appleton, Wisconsin, was the first to use hydroelectric power. That was September 30, 1882 (Marsha Weisinger, Buildings of Wisconsin, 222). Today, we not only take electric power in our homes for granted; we expect it! When a strong wind storm knocked down trees and power lines in our area yesterday, we lost electricity for eight hours. For those who did not immediately fire up a generator, that meant no TV, no internet, no cell phones, no overhead lights, and no stove.  It turned out to be enjoyable to cook dinner in the fire pit and play games  and read books by candlelight and lanterns. Yet, thanks to the tireless work of utility crews, most of us went to bed with the power restored! It is easy to take such a blessing for granted!

How often do we try to live our entire lives without the extraordinary power available to us? This power does more than give us modern conveniences and appliances that cook and store food, heat and cool the house, and the like. It enables us to face otherwise unbearable trials, to overcome the eternal consequences of our sin problem, and to conquer the most insurmountable troubles. It is the “power of God,” and we find it demonstrated in the virgin birth (Luke 1:35), the gospel (Rom. 1:16), the cross (1 Cor. 1:18,24), the word of truth (2 Cor. 6:7), the resurrection (2 Cor. 13:4; Phil. 3:10), and so much more. “His power” will raise us up (1 Cor. 6:14), works mightily in us now (Col. 1:29), and upholds all things (Heb. 1:3). Or, as Paul says, enlightened eyes know “what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe” (Eph. 1:19). 

Do we ever voluntarily shut ourselves off from this power? Do we choose to live in the dark, depriving ourselves of the blessed live that flows from staying connected to God’s power? How tragic and foolish when I fail to pray, to study His word, to trust His providential care and work in my life, and to have the courage and confidence to fulfill His purpose for me in this world. When I do, I am spiritually in the dark! 

Each day, I should be thankful that God empowers me for the work He has given me on this earth. I must stay connected to Him while helping others plug into that power source, too. God’s power is no mere convenience! It is the ultimate necessity!