How You Can Have The Power Of God Series

Danny Simpson, a 24-year-old Canadian, was sentenced to 6 years in jail for robbing a bank in Ottawa, Canada of $6,000. The gun he used in the robbery, however, ended up in a Canadian museum.

The .45 caliber Colt semi-automatic turned out to be an antique made in 1918 by the Ross Rifle Company of Quebec City. His pistol was worth up to $100,000. If Danny Simpson had known what he had in his hands, he would not have ended up in jail.(1)

During the days of Elijah if the nation of Israel had only known what they had in their hands, they wouldn’t have ended up in spiritual slavery, held captive by Ahab and Jezebel in their own land. It was the same song, second verse - they had come of out Egypt but Egypt had not come out of them.

We know that God is powerful and that mankind is weak, but did you know God wants to fill your powerless life with His power and strength? Many Christians spend their lives searching for God’s power and presence, not realizing it is already in their hands. Do you know that you have been clothed with His power?

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)

People are attracted to power. They want to serve the God with the greatest power. Young people are often heavily involved in Satanism, Oji Boards, and Dungeon and Dragons, while their parents are caught up in Spiritism, New Age and other occult practices. But it’s hollow; it is nothing but smoke and mirrors. There is only one God with power. His name is El Shaddai and He tells us that we can share His very nature.

Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies. You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! (Psalm 68:34-35)

Have you ever had an impossible situation hound you? Like being in the path of a run-away car, you saw no means of escape. No matter where you sought refuge the carnivorous car pursued you, threatening to devour your faith. Times like that can leave us spiritually and emotionally bankrupt with nothing in our safety deposit box, checking account, or wallet. Times like that will either draw us closer to the Savior or drive us farther away.

This message from God’s Word is intended to help you access to God’s resources when you’re caught in the “jaws” of impossibilities.

How Long Will You Waver?

God never has been and never will be pleased when His people waver between serving Him or the world. During such times, God is more than willing to reveal Himself in a way that erases all doubt of His power. And when God reveals Himself, our most natural response should be a full commitment of faith.

In a museum in Scotland, resides the sword of the famous Scotsman Wallace, who was a hero and patriot. A visitor once said, “I do not see how it could win such victories.” “Ah sir, you do not see the arm that wielded it,” came the reply.(2) In our text, we are introduced to a spectacular display of the way God wields His power.

Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” (I Kings 18:21)

Elijah’s days of training have come to a halt. He has spent three years growing, learning, and trusting God at a brook and in a widow’s home. Now he is about to step on center stage as God’s mouthpiece and finish what was started with Ahab on the subject of a drought. From our story, it is crystal clear that God really cares that our hearts are wholly devoted to Him. As you seek to learn His ways and walk fully devoted to Him, take these lessons with you.

Lessons For Power Living

1. The fruit of a divided heart is always idolatry, and it will eventually catch up with us. It will steal the power God wishes to deposit and release in our lives.

Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the

Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” (I Kings 18:21)

The nation is standing at the base of Mt. Carmel for the spiritual showdown. There is nothing more exciting than a showdown. Consider:

Ø The U.S. Hockey team against the Russians in the 1980 Olympics

Ø The showdown of Pepsi vs. Coke, “Can you taste the difference?”