The Power Source

Isaiah 35:8; Romans 8:8-9

Sometimes, if we’re honest, we’ll admit that the Christian life feels hard. Life hurts, following Christ feels difficult, and we feel defeated. Day after day we face the bombardment of the enemy and fail to recognize that, on our own, we have no chance of experiencing victory, no hope for lasting personal change. Living like Christ is not difficult; it’s impossible. We need power; something outside of ourselves. Where are we to find such a great power? The Holy Spirit. There’s the power! The reason we have this life-giving Spirit in us is to power the righteousness and holiness God desires to produce in us. The power to change comes to us through the Holy Spirit. Not by our efforts. Not by our will power. Not by our talents or schemes or support systems. We can only change through the power of the Holy Spirit. Great news, don’t you think!?

1. “The Christian life isn’t just hard; it’s impossible.” How is this statement liberating, rather than discouraging, for followers of Jesus?

2. To what extent do I rely on the Holy Spirit’s power in my life?

Challenge: Would those who know me best say my life is characterized by an evidence of the Holy Spirits work? What evidence of change have I personally observed as the Holy Spirit has continued to work in my life?