How to tap into God’s Power

There’s a sobering story in Acts 8 about Simon the magician.

This guy Simon thought he was it. He told people he was it. He did things that amazed people. People paid attention to him and pretty quickly believed he was it. Look it up for yourselves in Acts 8:9-11.

Then one day, something happened. Philip came to town, and the rest, as they say, was history.

People got saved. They turned to the Lord Jesus Christ. They got baptized into the church. Even Simon the magician jumped on the bandwagon. Soon Peter and John joined the party, the Holy Spirit was given to the believers, and some pretty amazing miracles were taking place.

Simon saw what happened and liked it. I mean, what’s not to like? Simon liked it so much he offered to pay for that power.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could pay to get God’s power in our life?

I need a dollar’s worth of miracles today Lord. How about it? Or maybe on a tough week, you could spare a hundred. Wow. Picture the miracles you could buy for a hundred bucks.

Poor poor Simon. I can’t say that I blame him. I catch myself frequently yearning for more of God’s power in my life.

But if I can’t buy God’s power in my life, how do I tap into the supernatural and outrageous power of God? Why is it that some Christians seem to have a whole lot of God’s power in their lives, while others simply don’t?

I believe there are several Biblical principles to help us understand how to tap into God’s power in life:

1. There’s power in the gospel. The good news came to Samaria, people believed God, and the Holy Spirit followed. In Romans 1:12 Paul affirms the same thing. He says that “I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation”. Do you realize that your very salvation is a sign of God’s power? God’s power changes lives.

2. There’s power in asking. You can’t buy it but you can ask for it. In Luke 11:13, Jesus says “if you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him”. Have you asked God for His power in your life? Are you asking in faith? God wants to give his spirit generously to those who know and love him.

3. There’s power in right motives. Simon was harshly rebuked by Peter because his motives were evil. As long as you seek God’s power for your own glory, you will not receive it. God’s power is his supernatural ability to do as HE chooses. It’s all about Him. God loves His own glory, and we must love it too!

Are you more amazed by God’s works than you are by God himself? Do you care more about your reputation than God’s?

Like Simon, you can say the right words, and do the right things, but remain far from God’s presence in your life. If you do not see evidence of God’s power in your life, ask yourself why not, then be willing to repent.

I desperately want God’s power in my life at any cost. Don’t you?

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