Well, I did it again. Set the temperature on the oven, slide the roast in, and went off to do other chores for the next hour, only to come back and see a raw roast. What now? After dealing with a brand new, defective washing machine (and doing wash at the laundromat for a month), I figured there was something wrong with the stove. The light is on, meaning it is plugged in. The settings are correct. And then I realized my mistake. I didn’t touch the START control that would have the oven heating to the temperature it takes to COOK the roast. Duh! (I did the same thing with a crock pot… sigh)
The Lord is using all kinds of ways and means to teach me lessons these days. He can use the most ordinary things to give me a jolt of enlightenment.
Lots of things need to be turned on before they’re useful. Plugging in a lamp is all well and good, but there’s no light without the power being turned on.
What does all this have to do with God?
Having faith in God is the beginning. I’m “plugged in”, so to speak. Some people spend their lives that way. They believe in God. They believe Jesus died for their sins. They plug in. But they never turn on the power of the Holy Spirit that brings real change to their lives.
Change can be challenging. It can be frightening and painful. The guarantee is that all good things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
I believe God, but I can’t walk in His ways unless the power of the Holy Spirit is flowing through me.
May we each turn on that God-given power indwelling us and let that light shine for all to see so they will glorify your Father in heaven.