Where's the Power?

Many years ago now Wendy’s restaurants had a catch phrase you’ll remember: “Where’s the beef?” With the help of a white-haired, elderly woman (I do not remember her name) who called to question their competitor’s hamburgers, Wendy’s soon became a household word. It’s time the United Methodist Church came up with a new catch phrase and I have one that seems appropriate: “Where’s the power?” We (believers) have been given the charge to minister to our world, but we are afraid. We have been called to reach out to folks who are hurting and suffering, but instead we turn away. God has placed us in a world that desperately needs workers and we sing “Here I am Lord, send me,” while secretly hoping and praying that He doesn’t. Church, where is our power? Too often we are guilty of beating our heads against the walls, confused and exhausted, worn out with no fruit to show for our efforts. Why is it we think our power is enough to battle the forces that oppose us? We have available to us the power of the Holy Spirit…we have received the anointing from above and unless or until we utilize that power we will remain ineffective. The good news is when we surrender our will to our Lord, when we choose to intentionally employ the power of the Holy Spirit, then will our churches and communities experience strength and vitality, healing and wholeness in Jesus’ name.