Resurrection Power and the Glory of God

Life is hard.

Whether lived on the plains of Africa, the bustling cities of Asia, behind the veil of a burqa, in the mountains of South America, or on the streets and in the corporations and institutions of the United States, life as we know it is beyond us. Even as believers, things can seem insurmountable.

And that's why it's good to know there is a power bigger than us at work.

Paul prayed that the Ephesians would know "what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places..." (Eph. 1:19-20, emphasis mine). In other words, God's great power raised Jesus from the dead - and that power is the same power that is effective "toward us who believe."

Paul personally experienced this power in his ministry. 2 Cor. 13:4 says, "For He was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God." God's power took Christ from the weakness of death to being resurrected -- and by the same power Paul's weakness would be transformed in ministry to Corinth.

We know this intellectually. Our theology informs us that God's resurrection power continues to be displayed in us. But it's so easy "when the chips are down" to rely on our own strength, our own limited resources, ourselves. We forget to practice the truth we know - to ask God to show His resurrection power in situations that are beyond us.

The fact is, God's resurrection power is paralleled with His glory scripturally. Rom. 6:4 observes, "We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." Raised by God's power; raised by His glory. What could be more powerful than the glory of God - a glory that leaves the angels glowing, a glory that caused Moses to veil himself; a glory that prompted Israel to ask for a mediator? Is there a more powerful force in the universe than the glory of God?

Of course not. And that is why we should start living out the truth we know. God is glorified when His resurrection power is practiced. No wonder He delights to execute that power on behalf of those who belong to Him!

God leaves us in this hard life so that He can reveal Himself through us. Ask Him to reveal His resurrection power on your behalf today.

It's all about Him. It's the power of glory. And nothing will shine brighter.