But You Will Receive Power | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: But You Will Receive Power | Previous Challenge Entry
By Roy Proctor
04/16/15
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But You Will Receive Power
By Roy E. Proctor

“If you died today, where would you be?” the young man asked. Such a loaded question to ask of a total stranger. But that’s par for the course with those dedicated religious folks that knock on your door unannounced. I’ve always admired such people for their dedication even though I didn’t approve of their methods of evangelizing.

I was pleased to inform the young man that I would be in Heaven with the Lord after I died. Strangely enough, he didn’t even hear my answer but continued on with the script that he had memorized. But after some prompting on my part it dawned on him that I was confident that my eternal home awaited me in Heaven. After swallowing nervously, he went on to the next house.

The young man who came to my door probably heard his preacher’s emotional plea, “Let’s take this city for Jesus.” Such a passionate plea always suggests to me that Jesus needs our help. What’s more, if we don’t do our part the entire Kingdom of God could be in jeopardy. Such a burden is apt to bring condemnation and failure instead of victory. Let’s face it. There is nothing we can do in our own power and ability to help God’s cause.

If we truly love God, however, wouldn’t it follow that we would want to do something to uphold and to further His kingdom? That young man who came to my door did love God, but his previously memorized words lacked power and authority.

That’s it. Power and authority. But how do we obtain such supernatural gifts?

First, one must believe that God’s power and authority is still available for us today. Can you imagine God saying, “Okay saints. I empowered Jesus and the first apostles to obey my commands but I have withdrawn it for your time. You still have to obey my commands but you’re on your own. Do what you can in your own abilities.” It wouldn’t be fair, I should think. We simply cannot teach the Kingdom of God; heal the sick, cast out demons and minister to the oppressed in our own power and authority.

Second, it is necessary for us to accept and receive God’s power and authority. Like Jesus, it involves surrendering ourselves totally to our heavenly Father. As Jesus received the Spirit of God without limit, we will need to do whatever is necessary to do the same. Will it mean praying all night? Will it mean, devouring God’s Word like a starving man consuming food? Those are methods. But they represent a complete surrendering of our hearts to God. As David was a man after God’s own heart, we will have to be the same way.

Third, it will be necessary for us to develop a listening heart. Jesus said that He never did anything on His own, but spoke just what His Father taught Him. (See John 8:28) Now that is an expression of a perfect listening heart.

Fourth, we will need to be obedient, without reservation or hesitation, to God’s commands. He still makes some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers. What’s more, God still wants to make us into vessels of His agape love.

I cannot stress more emphatically that we need God’s power and authority, especially in this fallen world that is crumbling before our very eyes. Some time ago, the words of this poem I wrote came to mind. It summarizes what I have said. The title is “You better let God do it.”

When I forget that God ordains,
There is shame, despair and may pains.

I got it all in place, don’t you see?
It’s Plan A. God said, “It’s Plan B.”

What a fool I am in that dark hour,
Doing “goodie good” without God’s power.

I preach, I shout, and I pump my gums
But people just yawn and give me “ho hums”

Lined all my ducks up in a row,
Then had to stand there eatin’ crow.

My gospel ship didn’t dock,
With no ruder, it crashed on a rock.

Lord, Lord, what must I do?
Must I wander, smolder and stew?

“Son, if you’ll feast on my word,
Then you’ll not feel like a wandering nerd.

Let it smash that ole pride and condition your heart.
When you learn to do that, you’ll really be smart.”

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