Power and Strength by Grace Through Intimacy with God

The grace of God gives us strength and the corresponding ability to do the things we otherwise could not do. This happens as a result of being in an intimate relationship with God, through his Son Jesus and experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit. The more intimate we are with God, the more time we spend quietly with him, and the more we yield to him and depend upon him the more empowered we become.

Power from God does not come by way of religious-type activity and service. It comes as a direct result of abiding in God’s presence and being connected to him in a very real and meaningful way. Jesus tell us this when he says –

“Remain in me and I will remain in you…. apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5

Jesus gives us a great example of how he received power from his Father, God. Shortly before his death on the cross, Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was sorrowful and full of grief-filled emotions as he prepared to do the will of God by dying on the cross for our sins. The “man” in him did not want to die. What did he do? Jesus went away to be alone with God…. to be in earnest prayer with him one-on-one. When he finished his prayer time with God, Jesus was prepared, equipped with the strength he needed to be able to die for you and me. Matthew 26:36-46

The Gospel of John tells us that Jesus prayed to his Father that just as he and God were one, that we all would “be in them.” John 17:20-21 This serves as a reminder that God desires us to remain as close as possible to him. He knows that for us to be able to do his perfect will, we need to maintain an intimate relationship with him.

‘Abide in God’s Presence’ is one Spiritual Exercise that is conducive to a healthy life. The more we are in God’s presence, the more power the Holy Spirit gives us to make healthy choices and to change our behavior. We are able to do things that we otherwise might not be able to do.

Questions to Reflect On:

How close to Jesus are you?

How much time do you spend in prayer with God on a daily basis?

How much time each week do you spend reading the Bible and meditating on what you’ve read?

Scriptures Related to Intimacy:

“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3