Ever feel Powerless? The feeling of power comes when we feel we have control. When we do not have control, we feel powerless. Let us see if I can put a different twist on this feeling we call power and what it really means to be powerless.
Definition of Power
(noun) 1: ability to act or produce an effect; 2: possession of control, authority, or influence over others
One of the most common forms and illusions of power is that of control. Without control, people fear potential failure or loss. If I don’t have control it probably won’t get done right. And people also have the fear of not “earning my keep” if they are not in control. They feel they must prove themselves.
I’ve seen it many times in many ways. My mind is zooming through hundreds of examples. None of which I’ll cover. All of which I am sure you have already seen or maybe even experienced. Of either exerting power and control over others or being the one being controlled. Having power and also being powerless seems to be an Issue.
It Is An Illusion
Because one has money, success, influence, or other beneficial characteristics of power, or exerts control over others with fear, they use it to produce an effect. In most cases, this is done to control an outcome. It is an illusion of power that one thinks they have over others or their own future.
Deuteronomy 8:17-18 AMP
17 Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’ 18 But you shall remember [with profound respect] the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore (solemnly promised) to your fathers, as it is this day
What most people don’t realize is that they are living an illusion that won’t last. And to think that one has power in and of themselves is foolishness. I’m not saying it isn’t real. People do control others. They do use it in ways to elevate themselves and gain advantages. But it isn’t Kingdom-mindedness. It’s not the way the Kingdom of God works. It’s of this world and that is all the further it will go, if that far.
Throw Power and Control Out the Window
Matter of fact, it’s not the way our relationship with God works. Any thought or illusion that you have control sets you off on your course apart from God. It might look good and it might feel good. But it ain’t good (ain’t used for emphasis).
Kingdom Impact, here in this life and the life to come, only comes from giving control to God. The moment we have control, take control, or think we are in control, it takes control away from God. With that, you are on your own. It’s not a 50/50 relationship nor a 51/49 split. If you are at 90/10 (90 God and 10 you) you are getting there. But it is truly an all-God deal.
2 Corinthians 12:9 AMP
He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.
An Angel Tried It Once
To think you have power and are in control means there is no room for God. I think there was an angel that tried that once, though to an extreme extent. Lucifer wanted control. In this life, it’s not optional nor optimal to say, “I got this God.” And if you do, what is it that you ‘got?’
To Be powerless, or a better way to put it, to be weak, means…
a lack of necessary resources, and also unimpressive
So it doesn’t matter how impressive you see yourself, or even in what others see in what you have accomplished. We lack the necessary resources and are unimpressive. But when we give it all to God, in our weakness, He shows Himself strong through us.
Challenge of the Week
- Step 1 – Praise God for His Greatness and Power. Thank Him for what He is about to do.
- Step 2 – Praise God for His Greatness and Power. Thank Him for what He is doing.
- Step 3 – Praise God for His Greatness and Power. Thank Him for what He has done! So be it!
There’s a trust factor not mentioned here. More on this in the next post regarding Stephen M.R. Covey.
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