We humans live in this strange juxtaposition where we are strong and mighty creatures, capable of important decisions and life-giving action. We are superheroes in the created world. We have power even the angels lack. Yet, it is not to our own credit or for our own good. It is for the good of God’s Kingdom, of others, and also to ourselves.

So we are mighty beings in the created realm, but the true value of our strength is lost when separated from the source. It becomes messy and ugly, ruined and perverted; a cause of pain rather than joy.

God is the source of our strength. This is both comforting and frustrating. It is difficult because it is outside our control and requires a sense of mystery and trust. But it is comforting and freeing in the sense that it takes the ultimate weight off of our shoulders. Only God is truly in control. We can do our best and are commanded to steward what the Lord gives us, but He is the arbiter of truth and goodness. He is the source of power.

The incredible thing about today is that God is loaning you, his child, some of that power. Power to love and to serve. Power to trust and to perceive. Power to believe.

“The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”
– Exodus 15:2