Day 150 - November 11 - Works of Power

Did you know that the Greek words that we usually translate "miracle" in the Bible literally mean "works of power"? Me neither! I really like that thought - the thought that the very word to name a miracle defines the force necessary to make one. In Acts 8:13, the words are used in relation to someone seeing the works Phillip was doing in Samaria.

Works of power. I really, really like that. I especially like it in relation to one of my favorite verses, 2 Timothy 1:7, wherein Paul is telling Timothy what kind of spirit God has given him - one not of fear, "but of power and of love and of a sound mind". The really cool thing about verse seven in that passage, however, is that it follows verses five and six! Check it out -

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Paul mentions Timothy's faith, and urges him to fan into flame the gift of God. Now, it's obvious that fanning anything into flame can be arduous and tedious work, as anyone who has ever tried to get the charcoal going with a paper plate knows. But more importantly, to what gift is Paul referring? I think the context speaks clearly that Paul is referring to Timothy's faith, particularly in light of another of Paul's letters, his first letter to the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, and particularly verse nine, make it clear that faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and Paul commends and encourages Timothy in his. The next verses in 2 Timothy spell out what Timothy is to do with his faith - be confident in it and not ashamed of his testimony about the Lord.

Y'all understand why I'm interested in the correlation between faith and power, I'm sure. And I find that this passage dovetails easily with Jesus' own teachings about belief and prayer. It's clear from these teachings that Jesus and Paul both thought quite strongly that faith is supposed to be powerful.

Here I am again (or still, as the case may be) - enamored by how power is meant to flow from faith, and how faith is supposed to permeate prayer with power, and how in some way, faithful, power-filled prayer interacts with the sovereign will of God.

What kind of power flows out of faith? I think the answer to that, having read, re-read, pondered, and prayed over such passages as Mark 11:24 for months, is "the kind of power that can move the hand of God". That kind of power.

Do you believe it? Do I believe it? And let me ask the question that defines where the rubber meets the road - do I believe it so much that I will keep believing it until the prayer is answered or I'm told "no", no matter how long it takes?

I had the exciting opportunity this afternoon, while working with Connor's hands, to be holding his hand in mine when he, ever so gently, squeezed his hand against mine. Squeezed it!

I believe with everything I can muster that my God is going to set my son back on his feet again. I am not ashamed of my testimony about the Lord. I will not apologize; I will not wilt under the pitying glances of they who think I've gone off my rocker; I will believe that my God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, who delights to do good things, who tells me Himself to pray and not give up, and who can do more than I can ask or even imagine, commands me to continue this course of action because He wants people who will dare to show how great He is.

Watch and see.

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