Pastoral Connection – His Power Makes Me Unstoppable

July 7, 2024

All too often we look at life through terms of what we believe we can and cannot do. Even when we remember Paul writing we can do all things because of the one who gives us strength, we often approach a job and ponder, “How much power do I feel the Lord has given me today?”

Our goal is to become more like Christ. There is an old song that says, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.”  That doesn’t mean we can simply shift our life into autopilot waiting for Christ’s return or for Him to call us home.  We have a responsibility to live our life to the fullest for the sake of the Gospel and the message of the value of God’s presence in our life’s here and now.

Stephen was not one of Christ’s disciples. He wasn’t an apostle. Stephen was a man who heard the good news about Jesus Christ and chose to submit his life to the Lordship of Christ.  This commitment cost him his life as the religious leaders stoned him in reaction to the message, he shared about God establishing His temple outside the boundaries of their temple.

What Stephen possessed the most was the belief that he now lived for the life with his Lord. As the first post-crucifixion martyr, Christ granted him a real-time glimpse into Heaven and Stephen received an image of his master standing at the right hand of His father.

The Lord’s power over this life and the next gave Stephen the strength to face his brutal end as well as ask for forgiveness on behalf of those who brought him to it. The Lord’s power showed Stephen that this life was not the end, just the beginning, and those men who stoned him sent him into the arms of His Lord and Savior.

Dive Deeper

Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Ephesians 6:10: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”

2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Practical Application

Every day is a gift from the Lord. Rather than waking up and thinking about what you want or what your earthly masters (boss / spouse / children) want from you, try asking, “Lord, where do you want me? What would you have me do when I get there? What will you empower me to accomplish on your behalf?”

Wherever you are, take a moment to perform a random act of kindness for somebody. It might lead to a conversation. Utilize that conversation to reach a new believer or encourage one who is currently struggling.

Be strong in your union with the Lord and draw power from His boundless might.  With your eyes focused on His return, consider ways your life is influencing others toward the Lord.