Deut. 32-34; 1 Cor. 2

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1 Cor. 2:1-5

Paul new that if he was to truly make a difference in the Corinthians lives, it would take more than eloquent speech, confident preaching or brilliant oratory. What people need is the power of God. Not everyone can be a great preacher or have the mind of a C.S Lewis but every follower of Christ can operate in the power of God. Like the words of Zachariah “ This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘ Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.” Zachariah 4:6. We often look at those who have the most visible ministries and think “they are used because they are so gifted.” The problem is we really don’t know how they are used. Sometimes the real fruit happened because someone in the background was doing all the spiritual heavy lifting. Paul humbly, proclaimed the gospel to the Corinthians because he didn’t want any of them to think they could have any real results without the power of God for it is the power of God alone that transforms lives. As a long term preacher I have learned the hard way that everything isn’t as it seems. Many times I have approached the pulpit with confidence that my message was a good one and have it fall flat while at other times I've been completely unsure with a message and realize afterward that God’s Spirit did a mighty work. Often when I think I have done my worst that’s when some of the most powerful work has been accomplished. Trust his power, rely on him, seek his face and you can accomplish whatever he asks of you.

Pastor Rick