1 Corinthians 2:4-5 – And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom [using clever rhetoric], but [they were delivered] in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit [operating through me] and of [His] power [stirring the minds of the listeners and persuading them], so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom and rhetoric of men, but on the power of God. –
There is nothing like an encounter with the power of God altering one’s way of thinking and believing. You may have heard pastors and leaders preach with all the right words, but one thing puts an end to all doubts: one outstanding demonstration of God’s power! There is NOTHING more gripping than an actual, personal encounter with the power of God! When we allow God to show off, His supernatural manifestation drives months, even years, of preaching and messages deeper into people’s hearts, making a far greater impact than we could ever achieve with mere words.
The apostle Paul explained to the Corinthians the reason he wanted them to see a demonstration of God’s power, “so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom and rhetoric of men, but on the power of God.” Paul knew that a display of God’s power would have a great influence and touch their hearts, and he allowed the power of God to do its unparalleled work.
Don’t make the mistake of taking only a mental approach when you preach the Gospel or share the Word with people, and even when you read the Bible for yourself. Allow God make use of your mind and the knowledge of His Word in you. Ask God to allow His Holy Spirit to speak through you. If you ever come to a standstill in a conversation, it may be the time for you to step aside and allow God to do what only He can do! Don’t force the issue, offer prayer and let God do the rest!
When you come to one of those moments when your greatest efforts seem futile, yield to the power of God that resides within you.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I ask You to teach me when to step aside so that You can step in to do what I cannot do. Help me speak the right words, but more importantly, help me to know when words are not enough. Help me become increasingly sensitive to You and Your guiding, and let me be humble enough to allow You to move through me supernaturally. In Jesus’ name, Amen.