Power Surge

The other night I was jolted out of bed by one of those monstrous thunder cracks. I think you can still see the fingernail marks on the ceiling over my bed. It was one of those rattle-the-windows, race-the-heart, vibrate-you-right-down-to-the-spirit kind of thunder explosions. I sensed people all over the Midwest getting right with God. I'm not sure exactly how close the lightning was that came packaged with it, but I'm pretty sure that my hair stood up for about an hour. My bangs have had a tendency to point north ever since.

I glanced at the clock and saw only darkness where the glowing numbers were supposed to be. It's amazing to me how much I can take electricity for granted until it goes out. I realized I would have to turn on the light so I could see my watch. I can be such a sucker. After flicking the light, then feeling like a dope, I flicked it back and forth a few more times. Most of you should go ahead and admit that you switch a few extra times for good measure, too. Why do you suppose we do that? Maybe we think the rapid movement will somehow generate juice?

Before the storm passed, I added to my dope-ness by thoughtlessly trying the computer and the TV, but didn't think of the flashlight for a good half hour. I found myself hoping God didn't allow Ben Franklin to watch. I could picture him shaking his head, rolling his eyes, and smacking his forehead.

Through the night I had several reminders of all the wonderful ways in which electricity enriches my life. I can validate with its two-word pinnacle: air conditioning. I was also reminded through the stormy night how entirely frustrating it is to be powerless.

It's much the same with our spiritual power. Scripture reveals only enough of God's power as we can wrap around our finite minds, yet we're drilled again and again that all power is our mighty God's. Psalm 147:5 says, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power." In his power we find life enriched to the max- life abundant!

One of the amazing truths about God's power working in our lives is that it's at peak performance when we're out of the way. Trying to generate power on our own is as futile as flicking the light switch back and forth when there's no electricity. In Second Corinthians 12:9, the Lord said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Now there's good news: the dopier I am, the more of his power that is available to me. Doesn't that just zap the frustration of powerlessness right out of a life?

Let's not take real power for granted. I John 1:5 says, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." The all-powerful Light is there for us through every storm. He has the best kind of power surge waiting for you.

Don't worry- it won't necessarily hotwire your bangs.

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Contributed by Rhonda Rhea rrhea@juno.com Rhonda writes for dozens of great Christian publications and speaks at conferences and events across the country. You can find her new book, Amusing Grace, at your local Christian bookstore. Rhonda's husband, Richie Rhea, is a pastor in Troy, Missouri. You can reach them through her Web site atwww.rhondarhea.net