How to Be Powerful
Who would you rather determine your life’s agenda—God or you? Our world chooses to follow the desires of their flesh, but true joy comes when we surrender. Surrendering to God’s will leads to a life of purpose and power beyond our imagination.
The last time anyone saw Jesus physically on Earth is recounted in Acts 1, the story of Jesus’ ascension to Heaven. Imagine the disciples’ emotions in those moments. Jesus, resurrected, and stood before them. It had been 40 days since Easter, and they had seen him several times. Yet, it still must have felt surreal. How often did they find themselves glancing at the holes in his hands and feet, marveling at this miracle standing before them?
Here they were, engaging in another deep conversation with Jesus, asking pressing questions. Then, suddenly, he was taken up into the sky. They were left standing there, awestruck. The disciples were likely still grappling with the reality of the resurrection, and now, Jesus was gone again, taken up into Heaven. Yet, this was no surprise to Jesus. He had predicted it.
Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am.
Jesus’ ascension wasn’t an ending, it was a transition. He was returning to the realms of heaven, not abandoning his followers but preparing a place for them. While we might wish for Jesus to stay physically present, God’s plan required his departure so that he could send the Holy Spirit to us.
Once when [Jesus] was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.”
The disciples focused on an earthly kingdom and nearly missed the bigger picture. They asked about the restoration of Israel, still clinging to their expectations of a political Messiah, but Jesus redirected them, emphasizing the coming of the Holy Spirit. They were about to experience a new form of baptism—not a physical act but an immersion in God’s presence and power. Jesus’ mission was not about political liberation but about a spiritual revolution. He was preparing them for a task far beyond their imagination. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he instructed them to focus first on God as the King of an eternal Kingdom.
Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
It is God’s will that we are called to pursue, and his will is focused on his family. Jesus wanted his disciples to focus on the mission—making disciples of all nations. Their salvation was not just for them; it was also a mission.
Jesus ascended, but he did so with the promise that the Holy Spirit would come, empowering them to continue his work. The Holy Spirit’s arrival marked a new era. Jesus, in his earthly form, could only be in one place at a time. Through the Holy Spirit, he could be present in every believer, everywhere. This was a game-changing moment. The Holy Spirit would empower believers, enabling them to carry out the mission Jesus had begun.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
The Greek word for “power” in this verse is “dunamis,” the root word for “dynamite.” The Holy Spirit’s arrival was like a spiritual explosion. It filled the disciples with a power that transformed them from fearful followers into bold witnesses.
Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit brings power, guidance, and transformation. He helps us to live righteous lives, gives us gifts to serve others, and empowers us to pray impactful prayers. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, enabling us to be effective witnesses of his love and grace.
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
God’s agenda is far greater than our own. When we surrender our will to his, we become part of his grand plan to bring salvation to the world. This isn’t about adding Jesus to our lives as a side note. This is about making him the center.
The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses. A witness is someone who shares what they have seen, heard, and experienced. We are called to testify to the truth of Jesus Christ. The world needs this truth, and it needs us to boldly proclaim it.
When Jesus ascended, he didn’t leave us alone. He sent the Holy Spirit to empower us to continue his work. We are part of a movement that spans the globe and the ages, empowered by the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. Let’s embrace this power, surrender our agendas, and fully commit to God’s mission. Who would you rather determine your life’s agenda—God or you? The answer should be clear. Let’s choose God’s agenda and witness the miraculous work he will accomplish through us.
