Are you ordinary or extraordinary?

How do you live a victorious Christian life, an empowered life, a life like the apostles lived? Is that even possible? I will let you be the judge of that as you ponder these truths.

First you must know what you have; what has grace provided for you? Grace refers to what God has given to you without you earning it; Jesus earned it for you. Paul speaks about this as “endless treasures available to you in Christ” (Ephesians 3:8). John 1:16 says that “out of God’s fullness we have received one grace after another”. The Amplified version explains this to mean, “spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, gift heaped upon gift”. That sounds excellent to me! It sounds like a full supply has been given to us! You have the opportunity to know the things that have been freely given to you by God because you possess His Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12). We have the Spirit Who is from God, not a spirit from this world (1 Corinthians 2:12). Our entire nature has changed because the Father has given us the Spirit of His Son Jesus (Galatians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 5:17). You are also one with the One in Whom is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). John 14:26 says that the Holy Spirit will “teach you all things…” The Spirit helps you to know what has been provided by grace. You participate in what grace has provided by faith. You have been given the measure of faith to be able to participate in what grace has provided (Romans 12:3). This is the beginning of understanding all that you possess and the opportunity that is available to you.

The fact that you possess the Spirit of God through Jesus, would seem to result in living an empowered life. But having the Spirit of Jesus does not mean you are living from His Spirit. It means you have the potential to live an empowered life, but it is not automatic. Paul gives us some clues about this.

Paul prayers “for God’s empowerment, that is inner strength through His Spirit” (Ephesians 3:16). Since we possess the Spirit of Jesus, knowing that, we should want an experience of Jesus and all that He is. In answer to prayer, the Father will empower us with His strength to make this happen. An experience of Jesus means revelation of His love. His love is characterized as so enormous as to have width, length, height and depth. God wants us to know this love; to actually experience it for ourselves. When that happens, the fullness of God is at work within us as we are actually flooded with the fullness of God Himself! So, to be empowered by God, we must understand and experience His love first. Empowerment by God is dependent upon revelation of His love! (Ephesians 3:16-20). As a consequence of His power that works within us, “He is able to carry out His purpose and do more than we dare ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes and dreams)” (Amplified Ephesians 3:20). This is to live an empowered life!

It is by His power at work in us, that we will and do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). By His power we can push back against the enemy and resist him (Psalm 44:5,7; James 4:7). It is the Lord that gives us victory over the enemy, over tribulation; to stand against the lies and deceits of the devil; that is any thought or situation that does not line up with God’s word. We can do all things in His strength (Philippians 4:13). He equips us! God proves over and over again that He is our Source. Is God weak, incapable, or lacking in anyway? No! As Christians, are we one with God through Jesus? Yes, Scripture confirms that we are one with Him (Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:9,10; John 17:22,23). Even though Jesus was the Son of God, it was God Himself that performed all the miracles and deeds of power through Jesus (John 14:10). Jesus lived an empowered life through the Father!

God is our potential for every victory. By grace He has provided everything that we need (2 Peters 1:3; John 1:16) through faith. Of course, the enemy would have us believe otherwise with thoughts suggesting that God is liar and that His love for us is questionable because the difficult circumstances in our life aren’t changing. In the midst of tribulation or trial, prayers may seem unanswered at times, and problems may even seem to escalate. Can you hear the taunting of the enemy, “Where is your God now!” The psalmist recorded these thoughts in Psalm 42. Paul demonstrates an example of an empowered life in the midst of trouble and taunting by the enemy.

Paul had every reason to be thinking, “Where is my God now?” After preaching God’s word he was beaten and placed in the darkest part of the jail with his feet bound. However, his response was beyond human capability; it was supernatural. He praised God! And when he praised a miracle occurred. An earthquake caused the chains to be released and the prison doors open. Paul was free, but he chose to stay and worship! It was God’s power at work in Paul! (Acts 16:16-29). And we have the same miraculous power in us. Ephesians 1:19 and 20 confirms this power to be immeasurable and unlimited resurrection power; it is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead! Grace has provided this for us. And faith takes what grace has provided! Paul shows us the results of taking what grace has made.

In the midst of the devil taunting with words and thoughts against what God would say, rejoice and praise the Lord! Get focused on Him! Your miracle could be at hand! This is to honor God. Keep focused on the Lord. His love for each of us is unfailing. His promises are true! Circumstances do not change the promise; God’s word is firmly established. God is always worthy of our praise. And this is to live an empowered life!