…having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:6

God’s power is a popular subject. We sing about it. We talk about it. We memorize verses pertaining to it. Knowing we have a powerful God on our side helps us to get through the tough things in life. We know God is bigger and stronger than whatever we encounter. We are encouraged to know that our God is so mighty.

A look at what powerful means reveals some added encouragement. According to Mirriam-Webster’s Thesaurus, it means, “having or manifesting power to effect great or striking results”. So, since God is powerful, we can conclude that His power is manifested (exhibited or demonstrated) causing great (celebrated or notable) or striking (noticeable or remarkable) results or outcomes.

In Colossians 2:6 it talks about one time when God demonstrated His power to cause a notable and remarkable outcome. His powerful working brought the Messiah back to life. Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God died on the cross, was buried and then God, by His powerful working, brought Him to life once again. I would have to say that this is a celebrated and striking outcome. God is powerful.

Recently, I have encountered some people who say they believe in Christianity but they do not really believe all that the Bible says about Jesus and His life and death. They question His Deity. They question the account of the resurrection. They question whether God kept His Word intact and true. In other words, they question the power of God.

Remember, these people denying God’s power are not secular or atheist, they are people that associate themselves with Christianity. Does this form of Christianity bring real hope and peace? Does it draw us close to God? Will it transform our lives and minds so that we can have great or striking results as a normal part of our lives? No! We cannot deny the power and expect powerful results.

In his letter to Timothy, Paul wrote about those that live a form of godliness but deny the power. They have the right words, present themselves as religious people, but they are denying the power that actually makes a difference in the heart and soul. Without the powerful working of God, there is no hope. Those that are religious but not living in power are listed with the selfish, greedy, prideful and hedonistic. In other words they are headed down a bad path.

If God is not powerful, He did not raise Jesus from the dead. If Jesus is not alive, Christianity is in vain. To deny the power is to deny the faith. In 1 Corinthians chapter 15 Paul outlines this logic. The conclusion is that since God is great, the Creator of all, the One who breathed life into Adam, the One who raised Jesus, we too can be confident that we will be raised in power. In light of this passage we can see why the power of God is such an important part of our faith. We need to meditate on it. We need to sing about it. We need to reflect on it as we read the Biblical account. We need to share how God’s power is working in our lives now. We need to remember that it causes great and striking results. That power saves.

Dear Father, you are powerful. You raised Jesus and you will raise me. My faith is not in vain. You have demonstrated your power in notable and striking ways in my life. You have answered prayers. You have provided hope when there was no hope. You have given unexplainable peace in the midst of turmoil. You have brought clarity of mind when confusion was the norm. Viewing all that you have done historically, I have every confidence that you will continue to act powerfully for me and in me. Thank you. I look forward to the adventure and excitement that a life in your power brings.