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Certain situations remind me of a weakness of mine:  I like to feel in control.  When unexpected change comes into my life, I have to remind myself to trust God.  At the time of this writing, our world in in the midst of a pandemic.  It seems like every aspect of our lives has been affected by it…jobs, schools, family life, shopping, our economy, and even worship.  Things that we’ve taken for granted have been taken away from us.  In order to stop the spread of the virus, we’ve been told what we can and can’t do.  And most significantly, lives have been lost.  I imagine that Satan has tried his best to make us feel powerless.  But oh the endurance and tenacity of the Lord’s church!  It’s been marvelous to see Christians coming “together” in creative ways to strengthen each other and to continue soul-winning.  In addition to that wonderful encouragement, there is the opportunity for personal spiritual growth.  This loss of control has forced me to answer a vital question—am I truly surrendering my all to God?  The beauty of utter dependence is discovering that that’s when we’re finally and fully empowered.

In the front of your Bible, write: We’re Not Powerless- Psalm 68:35

O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary, the God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people.  Blessed by God!

Circle “power” and underline “gives strength and power to the people.”  During David’s own unexpected circumstances, he learned to keep his eyes on God.  If you like, look back through the entire psalm and double-underline every reference to God/ Lord.  Also go through and see what God does and which one resonates with you most during this time.  Our power comes from the One who “makes a home for the lonely” (v. 6), “provides in His goodness for the poor” (v. 10), and “daily bears our burdens” (v. 19).  At the end of verse 35, write Isa. 40:29-31.

He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.  Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

Circle “power” and underline the entire first sentence.  Waiting is never easy but it’s made easier when we can wait in trusting expectation of God’s providence.  At the end of verse 31, write Rom. 15:13.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Circle “power” and underline the entire verse.  Hope, joy, peace, power…this verse is a timely one to memorize!  At the end of the verse, write 1 Cor. 2:5.

So that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.

Circle “power.”  This is an important reminder for us.  The first three chapters of 1 Corinthians contrast the wisdom of men versus the wisdom of God.  There’s a lot of speculation and opinions swirling around right now.  Worldly thought processes breed fear and suspicion.  It only adds to our feeling of powerlessness.  How essential it is for us to spend time drinking in God’s wisdom in order to strengthen our faith!  At the end of the verse, write 2 Cor. 12:9-10.

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you for power is perfected in weakness.”  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses , with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Circle both occurrences of “power.”  Underline “the power of Christ may dwell in me.”  Paul determined to have a humble attitude when experiencing a personal trial.  He learned to depend on Christ and that’s what made him strong.  Think of specific ways to develop this same attitude of being “well content” in trying times.  At the end of verse ten, write Eph. 1:18-19.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.  These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might…

Circle “power” and underline “the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.”  How is His power described here?  That should give great comfort!  Let us pray this prayer for ourselves and for all whom we love, “that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.”  At the end of the verse, write 3:16-21.

…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man…according to the power that works within us.

Circle both occurrences of “power.”  Underline “strengthened with power” (v. 16) and “power that works within us” (v. 20).  The Spirit’s power strengthens us and Christ’s power works in us!  This one verse alone is enough to dispel any feeling of powerlessness.  At the end of verse 21, write Col. 1:9-12.

…strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father…

Circle “power.”  Underline “strengthened with all power” and draw a square around “all.”  Notice the fruit of this power-strength:  steadfastness, patience, thanks.  Don’t we need that!? At the end of verse 12, write 1 Pet. 1:3-7.

…who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Circle “power” and underline “protected by the power of God.”  Spend a few quiet moments on these verses before you go to bed tonight.  God is indeed merciful (v. 3).  He’s with us when we’re “distressed by various trials” (v. 6) and protects our faith (v. 7).  Draw squares around the three enduring “results” mentioned in verse seven. 

These are just a few of the verses promising power from our mighty God.  May they strengthen our hearts through uncertain times and motivate us to keep serving and shining!

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Kathy Pollard

Kathy is married to Neal Pollard, who preaches for the Lehman Ave. church of Christ in Bowling Green, KY. They have three grown sons, all married, 2 new grandsons, and a granddaughter on the way! Kathy attended Faulkner University and Bear Valley Bible Institute and has a bachelor’s degree in Bible. She is the author of the book, Return to Me…What to Do When Loved Ones Fall Away. She and Carla Moore host a weekly podcast for Christian women called Looking Up. Kathy enjoys spending time with family, traveling to Israel, tending her gardens, and getting to know her new dairy cow, Peaches.

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