Connected to the Power Source

<p>Despite knowing that the electricity wasn&rsquo;t working in our house after a strong storm, an inconveniently common occurrence in our neighborhood, I instinctively flipped on the light switch when I entered the room. Of course, nothing happened. I was still enveloped in darkness.</p> <p>That experience&mdash;expecting light even when I knew the connection to the power source was broken&mdash;vividly reminded me of a spiritual truth. Too often we expect power, even as we fail to rely on the Spirit.</p> <p>In 1 Thessalonians, Paul wrote of the way God caused the gospel message to come &ldquo;not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction&rdquo; (1:5). And when we accept God&rsquo;s forgiveness, believers too have immediate access to the power of His Spirit in our lives. That power cultivates in us characteristics such as love, joy, peace, and patience (Galatians 5:22&ndash;23) and it empowers us with gifts to serve the church, including service, teaching, and mercy (1 Corinthians 12:28).</p> <p>Paul warned his readers that it&rsquo;s possible to &ldquo;quench the spirit&rdquo; (1 Thessalonians 5:19). We might restrict the power of the Spirit by ignoring God&rsquo;s presence or rejecting His conviction (John 16:8). But we don&rsquo;t have to live disconnected. God&rsquo;s power is always available to His children.</p>