Word and Power, not either/or

“Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭12:24‬ ‭ESV‬‬

It is not enough to know Scriptures, the Pharisees and Sadducees both to quote them. We must walk in the truth of the Word and in the power of the Spirit. They cannot be separated.

I grew up in a denomination that taught me scripture. They failed to teach me about the relationship and the power that comes from walking intimately with God. I don’t believe that you can walk that close to God and not have a demonstration of power in your life, even if it comes through answered prayers and not through public demonstration that power is so easily confused with at times. I think about the examples in my life of people who were not Spirit-filled but certainly were Spirit-led. Those people who walked closely with God, but did not necessarily believe in gifts of the Spirit that are in demonstration, like tongues. People who had the gift of wisdom and knowledge, but did not necessarily claim it as such.

I can see the answers to prayers they prayed. I know lives were healed through their affective prayers that availed even when it wasn’t done by the laying on of hands. God met them where they were. He joined their faith in the scripture and of Him with His power. Their lives are a testimony of his faithfulness to his promises, I was blessed to learn from them.

And yet, I long for the active demonstration of God‘s power that can only be attributed to His glory and His will in others lives. I want to see cancer eradicated, addiction broken, depression turned to joy, anxiety turned to peace, mania turn to self-control. I long to see His miraculous power, in the moment. The answers to right now prayers, right now. Just as Jesus and His disciples saw. It takes knowing the Word to have that demonstration of power. That power has been weakened by religion, rules in theology that distract from what God wants to do. His power accompanies God’s way, not man’s way.

I want to walk in the Word and in power. Jesus is the Word and His Spirit is the power. Both are available. Both are in my life. So where and why does the flow stop? Is it my fear and insecurities that keep me from stepping out? Is that why I have felt the focus of the new year will be stepping out?

Prayer – Lord, You know I have so many questions I want answered, but I also know that You know the answers. I can trust You. Lord, I want to walk in the fullness of Your Word. I want to walk in the fullness of Your power. I know that means stepping out of my comfort zone in obedience. Help me to hear Your voice clearly and to obey quickly before reason can set in so that I can walk in Your purpose for my life. Lord, I want to see Your power. I want to see my nephew healed miraculously. I want to see my family giving you glory and honor serving you whole heartedly all the days of your life.