Livin’ Beyond Your Strength
Well, how in the world are you, friend? I’m mighty grateful that you took a moment to stop in for a visit. So, come right on up here and settle yourself on this ol’ front porch for a spell because we’re about to step into a truth that hums with more power than a whole hive of bees on a summer mornin’. Jesus said in John 14:12, “Anyone who believes in Me will do the works I did and even greater ones.” Now that there’s not the kind of thing you skim past like yesterday’s headlines. That there’s the kind of thing that makes you stop mid‑sip of sweet tea and wonder if Heaven just handed you a job description bigger than your britches. Jesus wasn’t exaggeratin’ either. He was plum revealin’ how His work would continue through ordinary folks like us once He returned to the Father.
Acts 1:8 tells us how that happens sayin, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” That there means you’re not inchin’ through life like an ol’ turtle tryin’ to cross a gravel road. You’re walkin’ with the very Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. And when He ascended in Acts 1:9, He didn’t leave His followers staring up at the sky like baffled ol’ possums. He sent His Spirit so His ministry could reach places no human feet could ever wander.
Jesus explained this again in John 15:5 sayin, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” That there means anything good that gits to growin’ out of your life just ain’t from you tryin’ to be bloomin’ by sheer determination. It’s plum from Him nourishin’ you like a deep root system feedin’ a thirsty tree. And Zechariah 4:6 ties it all together by tellin’ us, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Friend, that there means the “greater works” Jesus promised aren’t powered by your grit. They’re plum powered by His Spirit workin’ through your surrendered heart.
So, ask Him. Ask Him to show you the greater works He wants to do through your life. Ask Him to make you bold enough to step forward and humble enough to let Him lead. Heaven just ain’t looking for the strongest. Heaven is plum lookin’ for the willin’ heart.
Father, make me a vessel You can work through. Let Your Spirit guide my steps, shape my words, and strengthen my witness. Help me trust Your power more than my own. Do Your greater works through me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ok, now, there it is, friend. So, as you head back into your day, remember that you just ain’t no confused lil’ ol’ cricket chirpin’ into the night hopin’ someone is gonna be hearin’ you. You’re not a skittish lil’ ol’ squirrel dartin’ from tree to tree tryin’ to avoid the rest of the goin’s own in the rest of the world. You ain’t no worn out farm dog draggin’ itself from shade patch to shade patch either. You’re a Spirit-empowered follower of Jesus Christ, plum carryin’ His life, His strength, and His purpose into every place your feet land. Walk forward knowing full-well that the mighty God of Heaven is not only behind you. He is workin’ in you, around you, and through you with every single step you take.
With joy,
Gwen
