What practical steps can we take to rely on Jesus' power in our lives? Setting the Scene “When the man saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before Him, shouting in a loud voice, ‘What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You not to torment me!’” (Luke 8:28) The demon-possessed man instantly recognized Jesus’ absolute authority and power. His reaction models how we can rely on that same power today. Recognize Jesus’ Supreme Authority • The demons knew exactly Who stood before them—“Son of the Most High God.” • Jesus’ power is not limited to first-century miracles; Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” • Practical takeaway: Begin each day affirming Christ’s lordship over every part of life—thoughts, decisions, relationships, and circumstances. Call on His Name Promptly • Like the demoniac, go straight to Jesus rather than trying to fix things yourself. • Romans 10:13: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” • Psalm 50:15: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you.” • Practical steps: – Whisper “Jesus, help me” the moment anxiety flares. – Build a habit of short, honest prayers throughout the day. Submit Humbly Under His Rule • The man “fell down before Him,” displaying total surrender. • James 4:7–8: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” • Practical steps: – Start decisions with “Lord, what would You have me do?” – Yield personal rights and preferences to His will, trusting His wisdom. Confess His Identity Continually • Verbal confession strengthens faith and silences fear (Revelation 12:11). • Matthew 16:16: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” • Practical steps: – Speak aloud key truths from Scripture when tempted or discouraged. – Share testimonies of Christ’s power with family and friends. Depend on His Word Daily • Jesus’ authority and power are inseparable from His words (Luke 4:36). • Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active.” • Practical steps: – Read or listen to a chapter each morning, asking, “What command or promise can I act on today?” – Memorize verses that address current struggles; recite them whenever needed. Walk in the Spirit Consistently • Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • The Spirit applies Christ’s power within us (Romans 8:11). • Practical steps: – Begin each task with a silent invitation: “Holy Spirit, lead me.” – Quickly confess sin to keep fellowship unobstructed (1 John 1:9). Replace Fear with Faith • The demons begged not to be tormented, but believers never need to fear Jesus’ power. • 2 Timothy 1:7: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Practical steps: – When fear surfaces, declare, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid” (Hebrews 13:6). – Recall past instances of God’s deliverance to bolster present faith. Live Out a Lifestyle of Surrender • Continuous reliance isn’t a one-time event; it’s moment-by-moment dependence. • John 15:5: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” • Practical steps: – Review the day each evening, noting where you saw His power at work. – Thank Him for victories, acknowledge failures, and recommit to abiding in Him tomorrow. Summing It Up Recognize His authority, call on His name, submit humbly, confess boldly, depend on His Word, walk in the Spirit, reject fear, and live in daily surrender. Following these steps positions us, like the man in Luke 8:28, to experience the liberating and unstoppable power of Jesus Christ in every area of life. |
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