BE EMPOWERED – Reflection
By priscilla penny
Priscilla is IVP for Africa. She lives in Harare, Zimbabwe with husband Claudio. As well as all that she does for GB, Priscilla and Claudio also have a busy family life, keeping abreast of all that’s happening in the lives of their four children and five grandchildren!
What does it mean to have power?? The dictionary of course says it is to give someone authority, to make someone stronger or more confident. Each of us has our own interpretation of Empowerment. But it seems that the term, empowered, nowadays comes more from within. We use it to talk about the journey of developing our inner-strength to act in ways that would best serve ourselves. Today, empowered means teaching the self to follow one’s inner voice and be true to her own true nature. Having power may mean self-determination, the ability to make choices that are truly free.
In the world today there is so much talk of empowerment of women, of the girl child. Therefore, to be empowered would mean, ‘having the personal ability to create the necessary courage and confidence to act and live one’s life in her own best interest. This definition seems to resound better with the idea that in real life we are looking to be empowered in order to succeed in life, follow the path that is laid out for us despite our fears and the obstacles that others throw up in our way. It’s about learning to conquer the self-doubt that we are not worthy or strong enough to stand up for ourselves.
This is so true in our Christian walk today. We need that “the Inner – Strength and the Inner Voice “that will enable us to go beyond our fears and all obstacles to accomplish God’s Mission. In Ephesians 3: 16 – 19, Paul prays that … “… He may strengthen you with Power through His Spirit in your Inner Being ….” The Power of the Holy Spirit is the divine energy God is willing to express in and through us and the divine authority needed to carry out the work God has called us to do. We experience God’s Power when we surrender to be used by him. Read Ephesians 3: 16 – 19. We have to allow Christ to dwell in our hearts!!! We have to be rooted and established in Him… “…. So that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God “ I love this .. God releases His power to us as we walk in obedience to him.
This makes me realise that God’s Power and ONLY God’s Power can enable us to exhibit Galatians 5:22, The Fruit of The Spirit. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, our lives will reveal the character of Christ in us, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control!!!
Only God’s Power and ONLY his power can enable us to go make disciples!! May we be truly empowered , Zechariah 4:6 “ …..Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit; Says the Lord.”
