There is One who has more influence than all celebrities and politicians, more intelligence than all scholars, scientists, and businesspeople, and more financial resources than all the billionaires combined. He is the same One who can expand or contract time, provide miracle healings, and be near to each of us during unexpected difficulties. And though I have known this One for over 30 years now, it was a question from a faith-seeking, seventeen-year-old young man that reminded me of the depth and breadth of God’s power. It is awe-inspiring (and incredibly humbling).
He timidly asked if I could explain what it means to Fear the Lord. My daughter had explained it, but they wanted to double-check. Many of us have sought similar guidance, preferring God to demonstrate the kind and caring attributes of Jesus going after the one missing sheep, compared to God in the Old Testament who brought down fire and damnation. I explained “to fear” is different than our translation of “to be afraid”. It is the ultimate posture of respect. Reverence. It is the deep understanding that God is in control of everything and that He is aware of everything. I paused, knowing that is a lot to digest, especially in a world where many don’t have an authority figure they admire and follow. We talked around my kitchen counter about granting God this authority over our lives, reacting in humility to Him, as well as being in awe that God wants to know us intimately, like a loving parent and best friend.
Power in His Authority
The conversation went well, and prompted me to consider how did I even know how to answer him? My words came out on the spot, thanks to the knowledge of scripture, but truly from the guidance of the Holy Spirit (which we will get to in a minute). Let’s start with the Lord’s authority. You’ve probably heard some combination of the words omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. My first time understanding the three Omnis was during a Bible Study that pointed out that God can read my mind, hear my prayers before they are spoken, and already know what is heavy on my heart. All of this comforted me, imagining a loving father completely in tune with His child. It also prompted me to “sweep up” some areas He wouldn’t approve of. (Read a great reference article on the three Omnis)
King David praised: “Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11
God Himself said: “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8
God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere. He is Sovereign. He is in control (not us).
Power in His Name
Once we accept that God is in control and already has His best plan plotted out, why not ask Him for help? Have you ever been going about your typical day when an unexpected situation requiring your assistance popped up? Call out to Jesus. His presence will be felt immediately. I’m not kidding. If you don’t already do this, try it and then message me how it goes. Last week I found myself in white-knuckle driving conditions. My co-captain Jenny and I prayed for safe travels. The following day, I had a technology glitch with my phone about 20 minutes before I was supposed to be on a telehealth appointment. I don’t have a home phone, thus raced to my husband’s office, all the while asking Jesus to slow down the doctor so I could be available. Those are minor situations I am thankful I asked God for help, and He delivered a safe ride home and an overdue doctor. In more dire scenarios I call on my prayer warrior friends. Why wouldn’t I unleash the power I have at my fingertips via phone or text? To read an incredible miracle story of laying on hands in prayer against cancer, read about Silvio’s Miracle. In all these scenarios, the glory is God’s. God is always here to answer our prayers. He answers them with a “Yes”, “No”, or “Wait”. And we are to continue to seek His wisdom in that situation.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20
We also can use God’s name against the enemy. Take a look at the three Omnis listed above. Only God has this ability. Satan (aka the devil) CANNOT read my mind and hear my thoughts, so I need to boldly, courageously, speak out against him. You too can tell him he is not wanted in your home, your marriage, or your life. I’ve walked rooms of our house, especially through my children’s bedrooms saying, “Satan be gone, this home belongs to Jesus.” The enemy is real and active on earth (read the book of Job, Genesis 3, Isaiah 14:12-14, Revelation 12:10-12, Zechariah 3:1-4). You have the Power to kick Satan out! Use it!
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
The Power given by His Spirit
As believers, we receive the Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance of eternal life (Ephesians 1:13-14, Joel 2:28-29). We often speak of the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace…Galatians 5:22-26) the same way non-believers speak of quick self-help changes. Yet, the Holy Spirit has transformational abilities to guide us, prompt us, advocate, and intercede for us. I truly believe the Holy Spirit directed me while answering the young man’s question.
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” Romans 8:11
Did you read that? The power that raised a dead man back to life is available to us. It is already within us. We need to unleash it! I imagine it as invisible lightning flashing out of my fingertips as I do Kingdom work in the world. I am most aware of the Holy Spirit reverberating inside of me when I’m speaking with a person of strong faith. It is as if our souls are connected, our Spirits communing with each other, leaping and joyful, similar to Elizabeth’s and Mary’s pregnant bellies in Luke 1:39-45.
Power in His Word
Understanding how powerful and loving God is, makes me want to introduce everyone to Him. I have found sharing the Gospel is a great place to start. Jesus taking on human form, human emotion, and walking the same earth we do, makes Him very relatable. Plus, I find the disciples, their friendships, and their experiences encouraging. They show how we all will experience trials and low points in this broken world. I’ve spent the past year reading the Bible in its entirety. It’s amazing how much more clarity I have by seeing the whole picture, not just a few verses here and a parable there. To think every word written, in the letters from Paul, the disciples, the prophets, and Moses, is from God. Scripture gives me hope in what’s to come. It gives us glimmers of eternity to reassure us that our inheritance will be worth any trial on earth.
Should we Fear the Lord? Yes, we should revere Him completely.
As for the 17-year-old, faith-seeking young man, I followed up with a text the next day, wanting him to read about it directly in God’s Word. Giving him the chance to listen to what God wants him to learn (Job 28:28, Psalm 25:12 by King David, and Proverbs 1:7-9 by David’s son, King Solomon). It was at this moment of sending the text message that it all came full circle. In sharing the power of God with another, I was sharing the power of God’s Holy Word. I am now woven into this boy’s faith journey, sharing knowledge and encouragement for him to keep digging to gain intimacy with his Heavenly Father. I am honored and humbled that God would use me to be part of this young man’s story.
Please Pray with me …
Lord, I am sorry I don’t fearfully approach You. You are the Almighty as well as the tender Shepherd. I thank you for allowing me to directly talk to and pray to You. Thank You for using me as Your apostle to share Your good words and weave me into others’ faith journeys. Amen.
Originally published for Goodwordproject.com January 25, 2024