To attain real power is something mankind has yearned to discover since time began. It was the false promise of the power to be like God, that led Eve to be deceived and Adam to sin, Genesis 3:5. So how do we attain real power?

What is Real Power

First, we need to understand what real power is. It is not the kind of power that is fleeting, takes control over others, corrupts and destroys. Real power is not domination, influence, wealth or status. All these are transitory, worldly and fleeting. They are more easily lost than the cost of attaining them.

Real power is the kind that endures into eternity. It has the ability to transform without self-interest. Power that enables a person to act in harmony with God’s eternal plan and purpose, Ephesians 1:9,10. Real power flows from truth and integrity and is rooted in spiritual authority. It is an ‘other-worldly’ strength.

This power can only be found in the Person of Jesus Christ, who came as God in the form of human flesh. Power is about who He is, what He did and what He is doing now. What Satan designs for evil, God uses for good, Exodus 50:20.

The Great Illusion

The great illusion of all mankind and part of man’s greatest myth, is the ability to control. Those who crave such power are driven by fear and ego, which becomes their weakness. The greatest barrier to attaining real power is the burning desire to possess power.

All power comes from God and belongs to God, Psalm 62:11,12, and has nothing to do with control. He gives power to whoever He wills, and no man can grasp it against the will of God. That includes both spiritual power and worldly power, for all power is given by the grace of God.

The Nazi driven holocaust fulfilled the prophecy that Israel would once again become a nation. What Satan designs for evil God uses for good, Genesis 50:20. Israel is the only nation in the history of mankind to ever rise again.

Worldly Power

Worldly power is a show of force that generates fear in others. Yet, it is temporary for it has no firm foundation. Pilate of the Bible is good example of worldly power at its worst.

Pilate had the might of the military behind him, which appeared to make him a powerful figure. However, he was easily swayed by public opinion and feared losing his position and favour with a higher authority, Caesar.

Worldly power is based on external circumstances and fear. It is limited and dissipates as easily as dew on a warm summer morning. When powerful men of the world are faced with the truth, or opposition, they resort to lying, bluster and bullying. Their power totally collapses when it begins to slip.  

Real Power

To attain real power is to know that it comes only from God. It is authority that is rooted in truth, righteousness and the will of God, as seen in the Person of Jesus Christ. It is other-worldly for Jesus said, My kingdom is not of this world, John 18:36.

Christ showed that the key to attain power is to yield to the highest power of all. His power came from His total submission to the will of the Father. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus, Matthew 28:18, because of His perfect obedience to the Father’s will.

The paradox is that full surrender to God releases power that comes only from the fulness and presence of God. It is attained through a deep and abiding relationship and total submission to a loving heavenly Father. Mary submitted her reputation to the grace of God. Paul laid down all his high-flying ambitions as a Pharisee of Pharisees. Stephen surrendered his life.  We have to lay down ego and the drive of self-power in order to receive the fullness of the power of God.

Power is Spiritual

To attain real power is to yield and align our will with the will of our Heavenly Father, just as Christ did, even though He was Himself God, John 1:1. Human beings are merely stewards of power that needs to manifest itself through genuine love.

We cannot control what happens tomorrow, but if we submit to the self-existing I Am that I Am, Exodus 3:14, we become strong. Our life is hid with Christ in God, Colossians 3:3, and we partake of His strength. Paul wrote, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me, 2 Corinthians 12:9.

God knows the end from before the beginning, Isaiah 46:10, and invites us to partake of His eternal plan. This is man’s true calling and only then does man attain real power.

The Secret

The secret to attaining real power is that in weakness we are made strong, 2 Corinthians 12:10. At first that appears to be a contradiction of terms. Something the vast majority of humanity cannot comprehend or come to terms with. Even Christians find it a major stumbling block. How can we be strong when we are weak?

Those who faithfully yield in secret, build spiritual muscle and real power which manifests itself to the world. A light that actively shines to the glory of God.

It makes sense to yield to God who is all powerful – omnipotent, all knowing – omniscient, and everywhere present – omnipresent. When you walk in spiritual authority, both heaven and hell take notice, Acts 5. God’s power does not require, fame, fortune or strength, or for a person to be perfect. You just need to be hungry for the presence of God.

Perfect Obedience

When we truly live in obedience to the Father, to Christ and to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we find perfect freedom and peace. Only in obedience do we find power that is not of ourselves.

It is through the Spirit of God, dwelling in us, John 14:23, that we tap into the reality of real power. It is God’s power that gives us the ability to overcome sin and be at peace in the chaos of a world that is spinning out of control. Every person is dependent on God’s grace and He jealously guards those who yield all to Him.

Cost to Attain Real Power

It costs everything to attain real power. Christ paid the ultimate price when He went to Calvary in our place. He calls His followers to die to self and follow Him, Luke 9:23. To seek the heart and will of God, so that Christ may live through us, Galatians 2:20.

Only then do we become yielded vessels through whom God’s Spirit can move to His glory. It is the place where surrender and faith join hands. The place where God fits us for eternity and power that is beyond our human comprehension. Ultimate power that shakes and shapes the world around us and reaches into eternity.

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Dr. Wendy Stenberg-Tendys is a servant of the Lord who enjoys researching Biblical topics and sharing words of encouragement from the Word of God. She asks the hard questions.

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