10 - POWER BEHIND-THE-SCENES

1 Thessalonians 1:5a

 5…because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.

In a sense, Paul 'measured' or assessed the results and the 'success' of his ministry by the way God was able to get the job done through him. He knew God was 'in it' because of the special blessing that seemed to be on the things he said and did.  He also knew that it wasn't his work; it was God's.  Paul knew he couldn't save anyone!  He and his colleagues were only instruments, vessels, channels - a means to God's ends.  The power was God's but the burning, deep conviction was fanned into flame by choice and an utter commitment to the calling and the message.

He also knew, while God uses his words, words can also be cheap.  He knew and accepted that he needed to be the Good News in action!  At the end of a busy day of faithfully and diligently caring, preaching, teaching, supporting, you could imagine him sitting down with his team and saying, "Wow! God was really obviously using us today...look at how He showed His power! We are definitely in the right place at the right time!  Good job team!"

But I'm certain there were some days when apparently nothing 'happened'.  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8) Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that He is at work in spite of us...but to always remember He will work and is at work, and, if we're willing and available, He will even use us to touch others and accomplish His purposes...today, this day. Yes, and even in and for ‘that person’.

PRAYER ACTION

"Lord, I'm so consumed with the mountain of stuff I am doing, so blinded by my own self-importance sometimes that I don't sit still long enough to notice what you're up to. Open my eyes to see some special way that You have worked or are working...crack open the curtain for me to see the real and important and eternal thing you are doing 'behind the scenes', in me and in others."

Now sit, pray, wait, see - and even be amazed.

"Well done is better than well said."

(Benjamin Franklin)