Christian Writers Circle

Power Outages

by Brenda D. Flowers

     In our lifetimes, we all have experienced power outages. Think back to times when you were without power.

     I recall a time over thirty-five years ago when my electrical power had gone off in the middle of the night and I didn’t know it. As a result, my electric alarm clock didn’t ring and I woke up late for my teaching job. I experienced panic and dread, knowing I had to call my principal to explain why I was not at school doing my morning car duty.

      Another vivid memory happened when my two children were in grade school. Middle Tennessee had a severe ice storm and snow had fallen on top of the ice. There were power outages for many days and even weeks in some neighborhoods because the power lines were downed by tree branches due to the weight of ice and snow. I recall, though, during this difficult time, neighbors came to the rescue for each other. It was amazing how people, who often stayed to themselves, emerged to help.

     Another time, happened recently. I was scheduled to attend an important Zoom meeting, but my internet wasn’t working. The System was down, and to top it off my cell phone’s battery was low. I ended up missing several minutes of the meeting. Minutes I couldn’t get back.

    Now let’s apply this to our spiritual journey. When have you felt a power outage in your journey with Christ?

     The Lord has been speaking to me about the importance of being intentional in abiding in Him.

     When I get busy doing things in my own strength, not making the time to abide in the morning, I often experience more stress and accomplish less throughout my day. If I don’t spend intimate time with God, I feel disconnected and powerless to do what He is calling me to do.

Currently, we are going through very difficult experiences in our world. I wonder how many people realize how God is waking us up to the importance of staying connected to Him. He is our source of strength and peace. He gives us community, help and support.

    I pray the following Bible verses encourage you to meditate on God’s Word in your purposeful quiet time with Him:

John 15: 5 (NKJV)I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit;  for without Me you can do nothing.

Acts 1: 8 (NKJV) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Rom. 6:22 (New Life Version)But now you are free from the power of sin. You have become a servant for God. Your life is set apart for God-like living. The end is life that lasts forever.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the revelation of the importance of abiding in You. May our lives be a testimony of Your power at work within us. Amen