Connecting the Power
Ephesians 1:19-20

How much of the power needed to live the Christian life do you attempt to provide? Even when you get creative and give it your best shot, failure is inevitable.

In a seminary missions class, Herbert Jackson told how, as a new missionary, he was assigned a car that would not start without a push. After pondering his problem, he devised a plan.

He went to the school near his home, got permission to take some children out of class, and had them push his car off. As he made his rounds, he would either park on a hill or leave the car running. He used this ingenious procedure for two years.

Ill health forced the Jackson family to leave, and a new missionary came to that station. When Jackson proudly began to explain his arrangement for getting the car started, the new man began looking under the hood. Before the explanation was complete, the new missionary interrupted, “Why, Dr. Jackson, I believe the only trouble is this loose cable.” He gave it a twist, stepped into the car, pushed the switch, and to Jackson’s astonishment, the engine roared to life.

For two years, needless trouble had become routine. The power was there all the time, only a loose connection kept Jackson from putting the power to work.

J.B. Phillips paraphrases Ephesians 1:19-20, “How tremendous is the power available to us who believe in God.” When we make our firm connection with God, His life and power flow through us.

Leadership Ministries Worldwide
Practical Illustrations: Galatians-Colossians