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This is a continuation of “A Final Word” and I am beginning it with the same quote from Rick Renner that was in the first blog.

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”  Ephesians 6:10 NLT

In the book, Dressed to Kill by Rick Renner he discusses being strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.  Below are a few sentences that really enlightened my view of the resurrection power available to every believer today.

 “The word “power” is taken from the Greek word “kratos” (kra-tos), and it describes what I have come to call “demonstrated power.”

The very same, exact identical kind of power that God used when he raised Jesus Christ from the dead, it is the very same, exact, identical power that is now at work in us ---we have resurrection power! 

Because the word kratos is normally used to denote a demonstrated or outwardly manifested kind of power, this tells us that when this power begins to operate in us, it immediately seeks an avenue of release so that it might demonstrate itself.

In other words, this power doesn’t come to us in order to sit idly by and do nothing.  This power comes to accomplish some kind of superhuman task.” ~ from the book: Dressed to Kill, by Rick Renner (pgs, 107 & 109)

I want to discuss this explosive resurrection power in light of the healing and dealing of issues within the body of Christ.  This is transformation power is available to us on a minute-by-minute basis and is one of the strongest forms of spiritual warfare that we will ever encounter.  I mentioned that this is something needed in the church today and some avenues that this can occur.  My husband, Michael and I have discussed this for a long time and our hearts are so desirous to take part in this type of ministry once again.  Friday night we were with some friends and I found myself talking about walking through city by means of satellite but did not relate it to myself until this morning while I was reading Psalm 139.  I realize that though we cannot lead a small group or class at this point in our lives, we can write and post blogs.

Reading Psalm 139 in his opening statement, the Psalmist, David, declares, “You know everything about me, even when I am far away.”  There are times when I am far away and I find myself in anxiety and worry over situations in my life.  Whether these situations health, provision, relationship or anything else, they are common to man.  Do you realize God cares about the pimple on your face that you are so concerned with your friends seeing when you go out? God cares about your feelings when people are talking about you, when you are struggling to understand homework or do not know how you are going to meet your bills.  God sees you when you are in your room alone crying over a situation in your life and I believe he weeps with you.  You can sit down, discuss these insecurities with God and/or another Christian because they are common concerns, and have much to do with the “kratos” power of God in us.  I believe we underestimate God’s understanding of our emotions, which distorts the truth of his Father's heart for us. 

If you know Jesus Christ as your Lord, you have the Holy Spirit living inside you, the “kratos” resurrection power of God longing to accomplish a superhuman task.  Many times, we equate the superhuman task only to the context of gifts of the Spirit or ministry but the power of the Holy Spirit has so much more for us. It is a superhuman task to live everyday life as a Christian because there are temptations and pitfalls all around us.  Most of them are common everyday things like not participating in gossip, making a choice to humbly do what you dislike doing at work or maybe, saying no I cannot be part of this dishonest business practice knowing it may cost you a promotion or job.  These may sound like simple everyday things but it takes the power of the Holy Spirit to make Godly choices.  It is not about following the law but developing a relationship with God that will draw us to him for direction.  It is a knowing just as David did that God is before me and follows me and he has placed his hand of blessing upon my head.  This does not mean that God will necessarily answer us in the way we might expect but it is as we commit the situation into his hands that we will receive the peace that passes understanding. 

King Saul was trying to kill David because he knew God called him to be the next king.  David had several opportunities to kill Saul yet he chose not to because he would not touch God’s anointed, even though he knew God ordained him.  David patiently waited for God to open the door and fulfill that calling.  How many times through the Psalms did David cry out to God for help or did he talk with his friend Jonathan (who also happened to be Saul’s son) about it?  What about Jonathan, who happened to be best friends with David, knew the calling on David and was broken hearted over the sin of his father Saul?  This must have been very difficult and I would venture to say that David and Jonathan spent time talking, weeping, and seeking God about how to handle the situation God’s way.  I believe Jonathan had to work through the feelings of hurt, anger and despair to come to the place of walking in forgiveness toward Saul.

David and Jonathan are examples of developing friendships within the community of believers where we can share our struggles with and walk through life, bearing one another’s burdens.  This does not happen instantly because trust is built and friendships are developed. Have you been hurt by friendships, people violating your trust, disappointing you or maybe even totally rejecting you?  It is a fact that in this life, we will hurt others and others will hurt us.  I am not sharing this to scare you or prompt you to hide in a corner somewhere to protect yourself because that is not what God has called us to do.  In fact, getting us all alone where we cannot receive or reach out for support is a strategy of the enemy.  So, how do we develop friendships and learn to trust again once we have been hurt?  The first part is taking it to God and honestly telling him our feelings.  Read some of the Psalms and notice they are like journals of how the Psalmist feels about a situation he is facing.  They usually begin with some intense feelings of what they would like God to do with their enemies as the Psalmist pours out his heart to God; then, as the Psalm ends there is somewhat of a resolve or answer.  The next step, as God begins to bring relationship into your life is to allow it develop; and if it is difficult to trust begin by sharing something small and see how your new friend treats you.  Trust is not something we freely give, but people earn your trust as you develop the relationship.

It seems as we encounter trials and walk together through them it strengthens relationships.  I am currently walking through some intense trials in my life and am so grateful that God is pouring his love upon me through his wonderful people. 

Debi Neiberger

expressionsofheartland@gmail.com