For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy. (Colossians 1:9-11 NKJV)
Most of the time we associate the word "power" with authority, great and noble deeds in military battles, influence in governing people, knowledge in making scientific and medical discoveries, leadership in being the CEO of a big corporation, etc.
As Christians, we also associate "power" with the visible display of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and how those present that day eventually changed a world that continues to change because of their influence.
We usually think of power in big letters — "POWER" — but there is also a display of "power" in small ways. God did not express his pleasure in his Son at his baptism with a bolt of thunder and lightening, but with the flutter of wings of a dove that came to rest upon him.
But what about power for those of us who face the confinements of daily life or old age? Can we no longer go out and change the world for the Kingdom? Do we think that Holy Spirit "POWER" does not apply to us? Can't we still be empowered to do the work of the Kingdom in small, but important ways?
One very small, but powerful way is to be an example to others of what "Christ in you" means. (Colossians 1:27) Directed by Holy Spirit power we can speak softly, bring encouragement, judge fairly and wisely, omit gossip, offer prayer for others, love others as ourselves, and actively display and use the gifts the Holy Spirit has given us.
Acknowledging that the Holy Spirit is working in this way may take away the frustration of those who feel trapped by their circumstances. Circumstances are really the situations God has created for us to serve him and others. The Holy Spirit is the means by which we accomplish it. Don't forget to trust in God's wonder working power found in the Holy Spirit no matter your life circumstances!
