Introduction:
Have you ever paused to reflect on whether your life truly demonstrates the power of Jesus Christ? In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to get caught up in daily routines, obligations, and distractions that pull us away from serving God. As Christians, we are called to be living testimonies of Christ’s transformative power. This blog will explore what it means to demonstrate the power of Jesus in your everyday life and how you can ensure that His influence is evident in all you do so that He gets the glory. 1 Corinthians 10:31 instructs us to “do everything for the glory of God.” We will dive into scripture, share real-life examples, and provide practical tips for living a life that glorifies God. You must read the synopsis of Samuel Morris’ life (#4 below).
1. The Power of Christ in Everyday Life
Imagine standing in front of a mirror, not just seeing your reflection but the reflection of Christ within you. Is His power and love radiating through your actions, words, and decisions? If not, why? The power of Jesus Christ is not just a concept for Saturday or Sunday sermons; it’s a transformative force meant to guide and shape every aspect of our lives.
Living in the power of Christ means embodying His love, grace, and truth in all that we do. His power isn’t just for miraculous events or grand gestures; it is seen in our everyday choices and interactions. Whether at work, with family, or even in a moment of solitude, Christ’s power should be the driving force behind our actions. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus encourages us to let our light shine before others, so they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.
Scenarios:
Consider the scenario of dealing with a difficult colleague. The world might tell you to respond with frustration or anger, but Christ’s power calls you to respond with patience, understanding, and love. By doing so, you become a living example of His teachings, potentially leading that person to Christ. After a while people will begin to recognize that there is something different about you. They may even ask you why you are so different. That will allow you to tell them about Jesus and His love for them.
Imagine a neighbor who notices how peaceful and joyful you are even when you are facing significant challenges. He or she wonders what gives you such strength and eventually asks you about it. This opens the door for you to share the gospel and the source of your strength – Jesus Christ.
2. Recognizing and Cultivating the Power of Jesus
Recognizing Christ’s power in your life begins with acknowledging His sovereignty and inviting Him into every aspect of your daily routine. Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation is evidence of Christ’s power at work within us.
Example:
Take the story of the Apostle Paul. Once a zealous persecutor of Christians, Paul’s life was radically transformed after his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). His new life was a testament to the power of Jesus, as he became one of the most influential apostles, spreading the Gospel far and wide.
Practical Tips:
Daily Prayer and Reflection: Start each day by asking God to fill you with His power and to help you reflect His love in every situation.
Scripture Reading: Regularly immerse yourself in God’s Word. It is the primary tool He uses to transform our minds and hearts.
Praise and Worship: Find time to sing and listen to praise and worship songs, even if it’s when you are in the shower. That can really lift your spirit and allow you to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Acts of Kindness: Look for opportunities to serve others, even in small ways, to express Christ’s love and care for others.
3. Overcoming Challenges with Christ’s Power
Life is full of challenges, but how we handle them speaks volumes about the power of Christ in us. Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. This isn’t just about enduring hardships; it’s about overcoming them with faith, knowing that Christ’s power is sufficient. Instead of focusing on the challenges let us seek out the opportunities they present.
Scenario:
Consider when you were overwhelmed by a difficult situation such as a financial crisis, health issue, or a strained relationship. Did you rely on your strength alone or did you lean on Christ? Those who tap into His power find peace and resilience even in the most trying times. Often, when we get to the point where we believe there is nothing else that we can do to change our circumstances, God changes the situation and does it in such a way that we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that this was His power at work.
Real-Life Example:
Take the story of Corrie ten Boom, a Christian who helped Jews escape the Nazis during World War II. Despite being imprisoned in a concentration camp, she demonstrated Christ’s love and forgiveness, even towards her captors. Her life is a powerful example of how Jesus’ strength can help us overcome the darkest situations.
4. The Impact of Demonstrating Christ’s Power
When we live in the power of Christ, our lives become a testimony to others. We are called to be the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14) positively impacting those around us. The influence of a life lived in Christ’s power can lead others to seek the same transformation and relationship with Him.
Real-Life Example :
Have you ever read the story of Samuel Morris, a prince from the Kru tribe in Liberia, on the African continent, who was born in 1873? His original name was Kaboo and at 14 years old he was captured by another tribe and his father was forced to pay monthly to ensure his safety. When his father could no longer pay, he was beaten and tortured every day.
One day while he was being beaten, he saw a flash of light and a voice told him to run away. It is said that the ropes that bound him fell off and he fled into the jungle where he wandered for days living off mangoes, snails, and whatever he could find to eat. He grew stronger and eventually stumbled upon a coffee plantation and began to work for the owner, a former slave who had gone to Liberia.
While there he began to attend a church run by missionaries. He learned of Saul encountering a blinding light and being converted. Kaboo became a Christian, was baptized, and was given the name of the mentor of one of the missionaries – Samuel Morris. In his quest to learn more about God, he kept asking questions. When one of the missionaries told him that she had been taught by a Christian teacher, Stephen Merritt, in New York, Samuel decided he would travel there to be taught by Merritt. Efforts were made to dissuade him as he had no idea how far away it was and how unlikely and difficult it would be for him to get to New York. This is how he is reported to have prayed about the matter, “‘Now Father,’ said he, ‘you have called me to preach to my people, but the missionary says I can’t preach without an education, and that to be educated I must go to America; and Father, you know I have not a single cent – please make a way for me to go.’”
After a difficult journey, he got to the docks and was given passage on a ship in exchange for work. While on board he was beaten and abused but he endured it with patience and forgiveness. He would pray often and even during a dangerous storm, he prayed. He prayed for those who abused him also and showed no resentment. He was at peace and was willing to endure the suffering, to get to the Christian teacher in New York.
The peacefulness, kindness, and simplicity of his trust in God caused the crew to become Christians. When he prayed his prayers were simple, asking God for what he wanted. The story of what happened when he got to New York and how he went about finding Merritt is remarkable and hilarious. It is a story of great faith, determination, and trust in God. He just told people what his Father (God) wanted them to do – plain and simple.
He found Stephen Meritt who was impressed by his anointing and his confidence. He allowed him to stay at his house, taught him, and eventually collected funds and sent him to Taylor University in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to study the Bible. This was during a time when racism was the norm in America. Samuel Morris encouraged many persons in their faith. Other students frequently asked him to pray with them and people came from all around the world to hear him speak. Many newspapers wrote stories about him. One headline read,” The boy from Africa Who is charging Fort Wayne with the Electric Power of God.”
Samuel Morris was an active member of the Berry Street Methodist Episcopal Church, and regularly attended East Wayne Street Methodist Episcopal Church. He wanted to complete his education and return to Liberia as a missionary, however, in 1892 he developed pneumonia and died. When his fellow students lamented his illness, Samuel is reported to have said, “It is not my work to go to Liberia. It is His. I have finished my job. He will send others better than I to do the work in Africa.” He died on May 12, 1893, at the age of 20. He was buried in the “Negro” section of the cemetery, as was customary at the time, but his body was later moved to the center. It was said that he linked Blacks and Whites in death as he did in life. Fellow students were led to go to the African continent as missionaries to do what Samuel did not get to do there.
I first heard about this story from one of my prayer partners. I read a book about Samuel’s life and was touched to the core of my being by his faith, strength, and simplicity. I encourage you to read about him. This is what the power of God can do in your life. He can use you in remarkable ways even when things seem impossible to do.
Encouragement:
Living a life that demonstrates the power of Jesus is not about being perfect; it’s about being faithful. Every time you choose to reflect Christ in your actions, you are planting seeds that can lead others to Him. In John 14:12-14 Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
We are more powerful than we know. When we believe this and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us He will use us to do amazing things to accomplish His purpose. We have read about the miracles done by Jesus and the astonishing things He used the disciples to do. People wanted to worship the disciples saying they were gods, and they had to rebuke them and tell them they were men just like them. Read about them in Acts 14:12-22.
We have the same power that Jesus demonstrated and that the disciples used to heal the sick and cast out demons. It may not operate in all of us in the same way all the time, but we do have it. We also have gifts that God has given to each of us, whether it is the gift of teaching, the gift of discernment, the gift of prophecy, or any of the other gifts of the Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 of the Bible. Let us use our gifts to glorify God.
Conclusion:
Are you ready to let the power of Jesus Christ shine through your life? By recognizing His power, cultivating it through daily practices, and relying on it during challenges, you can live a life that glorifies God and influences those around you. Remember, the power of Christ is available to you every day in all its simplicity – let it guide and transform you, so you can truly be a light in this world filled with evil and darkness. Remember, greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.