Looking for more Power

Some years ago a colleague and myself were given the task of examining a small engine and re-designing it. The object of that exercise was to see if it was possible to achieve a greater power output in an engine of the same size.

After studying all the characteristics and applying some basic principles we then produced detailed drawings, and from them had an engine made and tested.

Testing, and comparing the performance of both engines, the results were amazing. In the revised engine there was more than a fifty-percent increase of power.

So what was the secret of success? All that had been done was to increase the input and exhaust capacities, and the compression ratio. This allowed more fuel to get into the combustion chamber, greater pressure on combustion, and a more rapid removal of the exhausted fuel. In reality, the power was already there, but needed to be used in a more effective way.

Our Christian lives might be compared with that first engine. Needing more of the Holy Spirit to empower us, a more effective use of His power, and the need to get rid of anything in our lives that is no longer of any useful purpose in order to make room for the incoming power.

This is where Paul’s words, ‘We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us’ come into effect within us, and we need to let God do that which makes His power most effective.

God has provided the power of His Holy Spirit to be within us to enable us to be effective for Him, and at times He may be showing us that there are things in our lives which hinder us from achieving our potential, and they need throwing out. The similarity may be considered a bit like the difference between the first and the second engine, and the need for a little close examination.

When we first come to Christ receiving His forgiveness, we come with a lot of ‘baggage’ from our former way of life, and that needs to be dealt with in order for us to achieve what God has planned and desires for us. As more of the hindrances are dealt with and we are ‘tuned up’, then the greater the effect of His Holy Spirit’s power in us is achieved.

Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank You that You see me as I am, and as You examine me closely You see those things that need to be improved. Search me, O God, try my heart, and reveal to me anything that hinders You fulfilling in me my full potential. Help me to discard those things that are a hindrance to You, and let more of the power of Your Holy Spirit be seen to be at work in me I pray, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.