In Touch 02-17-05

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Thursday February 17, 2005
The Power Within Us
Ephesians 3:14-21

Whatever we are facing in life, we as believers have a great advantage because the Holy Spirit is living within us. That doesn't mean we are always going to be successful in a worldly way, but it does mean that God gives us strength to accomplish the things He calls us to do.

The world's idea of success is more prosperity, more prominence, more position, and more power. But success in the eyes of God is discovering and pursuing His will through the power of His Spirit.

The Holy Spirit illuminates our minds so that we can think the way God thinks and understand more about Him. The Spirit also energizes our physical bodies. We all have faced situations where our human strength was exhausted, but inner strength kept us going so that we didn't even feel weary. That is the power of the Holy Spirit.

It is the Spirit of God who quickens our emotions so that we can experience love for difficult people or peace in hard circumstances. The third member of the Trinity also works in the life of the believer by enabling our will. When we have to make decisions, we can rely on Him to illumine our mind and make it possible for us to make the best choices.

The Holy Spirit releases His supernatural power in the direction that is needed at the moment - mind, body, emotion, or will. This is not a power that we can muster up, nor is it even the result of years of obeying God. The power of the Holy Spirit is God's gift to every believer.

For resources related to this topic and many more, visit the "Exploring the Bible" section of intouch.org. www.intouch.org/exploring

Are you looking to take the next step in your spiritual walk? Enroll today in the Charles Stanley Institute for Christian Living - a free, virtual one-on-one mentoring program with Dr. Charles Stanley.  Register online today at www.charlesstanleyinstitute.com.