SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 1-3
“Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
I am both inspired and discouraged by how Paul describes these new Jesus followers.
The transformation was so deep, so profound, everyone was talking about it.
I would love to see this kind of dramatic life change… which is why I am also discouraged.
Why am I not seeing change like this, why is no one being converted like this?
I feel like my gospel is more about the words, than about power or the Holy Spirit.
But even if I am weak as a presenter of the gospel, doesn’t that qualify me for God’s power?

When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

A demonstration of the Spirit’s power – this is what Paul saw, this is what I long to see.
Or is there something in me that is standing in the way?
In chapter two, Paul talks about his motivation and hard work… can I say the same?
Maybe I am not weak enough yet, that is maybe my flesh, my self-life is too strong.
This is what I sense the Lord challenging me on today.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I would love to see this kind of impact through my testimony for You. Help me to see where I need to get out of the way, so You can show up in power through me.