For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. Philippians 4:13 NLT
He needed energy, but I had nothing for him.
I had watched Henry’s gait since he entered the
building. His appearance was the usual for most students when they first
arrived at school: not enough sleep, a late ball game, staying up beyond
curfew. Henry fell into this category with unkempt hair, sluggish steps, and a
blank stare, but on this particular day looked more drained than usual. As
Henry approached my class later in the day, his first words were, “Can I call
my mom and see if she will bring me an energy drink?” Without something, he was
sure to fall asleep in class.
These days, as age begins to take its toll on my
body, I sometimes feel like Henry: I need energy. I can’t do the things I once
did—at least not at the same speed. Bones ache and joints creak. Although I eat
healthy--at least most of the time--exercise, and take daily vitamins, I am not
the man I once was.
Paul seemed energized. He proudly stated he could
do anything, and he wasn’t such a young man when he said it. But his energy
didn’t ensue from an energy drink, exercise, vitamins, or food. His energy came
from God.
Even when my physical energy wanes, God will give
me the spiritual energy I need to continue doing his work. I hope one day to
retire from my profession, but I never intend to retire from God’s work. What I
do for him might change, but he will energize me to do something until I take
my final breath.
The power Paul had—and the power available to all
believers--comes from the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit
takes up residence when we place our faith in Jesus Christ, but the power comes
through being filled with the Spirit, which is not automatic. We must crave for
God’s Spirit to consume us. We do this by allowing our bodies to be a holy
temple and confessing to God that we desire to be all we can for him. Staying
in His Word, prayer, service, and fellowship with other believers proves we’re
serious about the request.
Let God’s Spirit energize you for the work God
has called you to.