Power Is For Loving Service
How do we increase our strength, and power for service? How do we experience a greater anointing? A number of things can help. Isaiah 40:31 says the Lord strengthens those who wait for (ESV), trust in (CEV), hope in (NIV), look to (NEB) and turn to Him for help (CW). Our power in Christ is enriched when we display faith that God has an opportunity in every trial. After all, “When God desires to create more power in your life, He creates more friction” (Cowman). To become more empowered, we can also obey God (Ps 89:17, CJB), listen to Him (Ps 95:7, NEB), and sacrificially love Him and others. Remember, “sacrifice releases power” (Wimber) when our service is directed by His Spirit (Phil 3:3, TNIV). However, “Many of God’s most powerful workers after a time lose their power because they lose the spirit of love” (Cowman). Love comes from being habitually directed by God’s Spirit (Gal 5:22).
When we compare Col 1:11 with the parallel passage at Eph 3:16, we see that we grow in God’s strength as we yield to the Holy Spirit’s efforts to produce His fruit in our life. This means we have to keep in step with God’s Spirit, following His guidance in every aspect of our life (Gal 5:25, NLT). If we are where we are to be doing what He wants us to do, He will empower us. This requires faith – not mere application of biblical principles.
To increase our power and anointing, then, we must go from faith to faith (Rom 1:17). Every part of our life must express faith (Heb 11:6). As we, by faith, use the grace we have, God will give us more grace (Jn 1:16). It is like an eagle growing new plumes as he uses the old ones. We love the Lord, wanting to please Him by doing what He wants as He speaks to us each day (Mt 4:4). The result is a growth of His power in our lives. We walk in a stronger anointing.
Instead of being timid, learn to be appropriately bold.