I love how the world around us allows us a glimpse into deeper things, if we are inclined to look.
Things like…a toaster.
Now imagine a toaster sitting on the counter. It is a fully functioning toaster, with all of its necessary gadgets and levers and heating mechanisms. Completely ready to take on the task for which it has been created – to toast. The only missing link here is that our toaster is not plugged in. Now this toaster could sit here on this counter all day long…it could WANT to toast, it could try of its own strength to toast…but unless it is connected to the power source, it will NEVER be able to achieve the purpose for which it was created. But plug it in, and you instantly have potential coming alive. NOW this little toaster of ours has the ability to change a piece of bread, a waffle, a bagel. The components to do this always existed inside of it…but it needed the power source.
We are much the same way. We have everything within us that we need to fulfill the purpose for which we were created. But away from our Power Source, our potential and our purpose will never be fully realized. We can work hard, of our own strength, to make things happen (as I did for many years of my life). But the possibilities within each of us come alive when we connect to THE power source…Yahweh. God. Christ. Jesus. Holy Spirit. Now this power soars through us, igniting every aspect of our being, things within us that we did not even know were there (but of course, the Creator knew…after all, HE put them there). Now a life of purpose is possible, and we have the power within us to change the world.
Connecting to this power source is a choice every believer makes. Now this is not a point about salvation, this is about believers recognizing the source of their power and choosing to stay connected to that source daily. This takes a conscious choice to BE with the Lord…spend time in prayer…spend time in the Word. The more time you spend and the more purposeful you are about these moments, the more you will begin to feel that Power Source within you as you are empowered to live the life God created you to live.
Keep in mind that there are different sources of power. There is a MAIN power source, and there are back-up power supplies, like generators. A generator CAN be a source of power, but not at the same capacity or for the same duration as a main power source. It may not bring all components to life…or the lights might come on, just be a little dimmer than normal. Still traveling with me? Now there are hundreds of excellent books and authors out there that point to Christ…books that are founded on and peppered with Scripture and practical application of that Scripture. And these are great sources of gaining a deeper understanding of God’s Word, of learning how to apply that Word and live it out. They are a great back-up. What we must be careful about is that these do not become a substitute for our Power Source.
Get in your Word…get on your knees…and go make some toast.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. 29 He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power. 30 Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, 31 Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Purposed Roots 