Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee

A. J. Gordon, in the story entitled “Greatest Unused Power”, observed interestingly, “An American with an English gentleman was viewing the Niagara whirlpool rapids, when he said to his friend: “Come, and I’ll show you the greatest unused power in the world.” And taking him to the foot of Niagara Falls, “There,” he said, “is the greatest unused power in the world!” “Ah, no, my brother, not so!” was the reply. “The greatest unused power in the world is the Holy Spirit of the living God.””¹

The Apostle Paul’s life was a testimony of the power of the Holy Spirit unleashed. Souls were converted and brought to life when the gospel was preached and the new converts painstakingly nurtured so that the Holy Spirit will fill that new life with power. This was how the church in Corinth began.

A believer’s humble dependence upon His Lord and Saviour brings spiritual fruit in its season.

Jesus said in John 15:4-5 “4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (Jn. 15:4-5 KJV)

He further elaborated in John 15:7-10, “7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” (Jn. 15:7-10 KJV)

What a blessed thought to begin the year! Our dependence upon our God is pleasing to Him. It brings honour and glory to His Name. That humble dependence upon God is a cultivated virtue in the Christian life. The sin of pride is crucified daily when we rightly attribute our all to God. Whether in adversity or in relative comfort, we find in our God strength to overcome in every trial and temptation. We give thanks to Him in everything.

The Apostle Paul enunciated his confidence toward God in helping him through life’s challenges. Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) articulated this thought well, “Confidence in the natural world is self-reliance, in the spiritual world it is God-reliance.” A timely reminder as we begin this New Year of grace 2019.

2 Corinthians 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.