The Power of the Lord was Present

Luke 5:17

And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

An amazing statement is mentioned in this verse that should arrest the attention of every believer. It says, the power of the Lord was present to heal them. God's power was present. God's power was available to do something miraculous. However, God's power would be wasted if someone didn't do something needed for that power to heal. The answer to God's power not being wasted is found in the next verse. This verse says, And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy. Had these men not brought someone to Jesus, the power of God would have lain wasted, and lives would not have been changed. There are several principles this verse teaches that could help all believers to see God's power in their lives.

First, God is always willing to do the miraculous. Psalm 81:10 says, I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. It is not that God won't work through our lives today, but it is the lack of God's people doing the work for God to use His power to do the miraculous. It is not that God won't show His power today, because He has made it clear that He desires to do something great through our lives.

Second, you must be present if you want God to work great works through your life. These people were present, and that's why they saw the power of God work. Many people miss God working because they are not there. I have never wanted to be a part of something that I could not be involved in. When I played sports, I didn't want to sit on the bench. In my Christian life, I've always wanted to be a part of what God was doing in a church. The only reason I have seen God work is because I was there. I would do everything in my power to be present on the big days and campaigns that my church puts on. Don't hear about what God did from others, but see it with your own eyes by being there.

Third, bring someone with you. People cannot get saved if no one brings them to church. God will always work when His people bring the lost to Him to do something in their hearts and lives. Now think of this: the more people you bring, the more God's power works. Fill your car with people every week that you want to see saved, and watch what God does through their lives.

Fourth, do the work it takes for God to work. Too many want God to work without doing any work, but God never works through lazy people or a lazy church. It takes hard work to bring people with you and to see God do the work. God always blesses work, but He can't bless something that is not being done.

Fifth, have the faith that God can work. Don't limit what God can do. Attempt something big for God and expect it. God works His greatest works when we put no restraints on His ability to work.

What this generation of believers needs to see is that God is still God, and that He has the power to do great works if we bring people to Him. Join me in showing this generation that the great works of God are available today if we will do what it takes to see those great works.