Plug in to the Right Power Source

‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)

Props: variety of electrical/battery operated items and power supplies (cell phone charger, batteries, extension cords, etc.)

I brought several items with me today to help demonstrate God’s power.  Let’s see…I have a flashlight, a fan and a cell phone.  None of these things can operate by itself; all of these items require power to work.  And we all need power and strength to do what God has called us to do.  He has called us to do great things in life: we will never do those things without power.

            So let’s see if I can get these items to operate.  (Attempt to plug cell phone charger into flashlight, then turn the switch to “on.”)  Something’s wrong.  The flashlight isn’t working.  I plugged it in, but I still can’t get it to turn on.   Well, let me try the fan.  (Put batteries on top of the fan and turn on switch).  I don’t understand.  I put the batteries on the fan, and it’s still not working.  The flashlight isn’t working and the fan isn’t working, so maybe I can get the cell phone to work.  (Attempt to plug the cell phone into the extension cord).  Nothing seems to be working for me today!  What am I doing wrong?  (Allow for response).  Oh, did I get things a little mixed up?  (Rearrange the items and plug them into their correct power sources).  Now things seem to be working! 

            Everyone is created to do a special work for the Lord.  Work requires power and strength.  The problem is, many people try to rely on their own power.  They think they can do the work themselves.  That’s like plugging in the cell phone to this extension cord.  If you’re working in your own power, you’re tapped into the wrong power source. Your power won’t get you very far.  God’s power working through you will get the work done.  When you trust in Him, you’ll work just like these items when they have the right power source.                 

            Remember to work in the strength of God’s Spirit.