Each of us desires to make a difference. Moms want to raise respectful, yet bold adults to reach a new generation for Christ. Business women want to show the world you can be a Christian, a woman, and a success in the workplace. College students are working hard, learning how to make this world a better place.
But how? How can we live significant lives and change the world? By living a supernatural life.
What is a supernatural life?
We can look to the disciples as examples.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. – Acts 4:13
These men turned the world upside-down in Jesus’ name. They lived believing death has no sting and died rejoicing in the lives they gave for the Gospel.
Becoming a change maker
I used to think this kind of life was out of my reach. I thought of the disciples as the super heroes of the Bible. They walked with Jesus for three years. I could never be like them. But in reality, these men were exactly like me.
Do you know where Peter and John were after the crucifixion of Jesus? Hiding with the other disciples behind a locked door, mourning the loss of Christ and fearful for their own lives.
Then the same day (the day of His resurrection after Jesus had appeared to Mary Magdalene) at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. – John 20:19
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. – Mark 16:9-11
The disciples didn’t believe Jesus could rise from the dead. They were overcome with grief, worried they might be killed too. And yet, a few weeks later they were boldly proclaiming the gospel to anyone who would listen, despite beatings, jail, and ridicule. The same Power who raised Jesus from the dead embodied the disciples and EVERYTHING changed.
The same Power who raised Jesus from the dead embodied the disciples and EVERYTHING changed. Click To TweetLiving in the power of the Holy Spirit
I’ve mentioned before a book by Francis Chan called, Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit. This book taught me what it means to allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through you.
We focus on what God wants us to do and forget the kind of people He wants us to be. Instead of mustering up more willpower, let’s focus our energies and time on asking for help from the One who has the power to change us. – Francis Chan, Forgotten God
For a type A, list-making, goal-oriented person like myself, this hits home. If I am ever going to make a mark on this world for Jesus, I need to live in a supernatural power I do not possess. I need the Holy Spirit to change me.
Make the shift
By surrendering our will to His, we can develop our relationship with the Holy Spirit just as we do with the Father and Jesus. He is not a silent partner. He is active and moving in this world. If you want to be a part of what He is doing, make the shift. Submit your abilities to the Holy Spirit’s arsenal and watch what He does.
In what way do you see yourself making a difference in this world? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
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