Power Available, but Not Accessed

Ephesians 1:19 - "And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe..."

Just before World War II, in the town of New London, Texas, there was a tragic school explosion that claimed the lives of 295 children and teachers. After the war, when they rebuilt the school, the community was determined that such a tragedy would never happen again. They installed what they believed was the most advanced safety system available: a state-of-the-art sprinkler system so impressive that they gave tours to show off this incredible protection.

For seven years, honor students would proudly lead visitors through the school, explaining every detail of this magnificent sprinkler system. The community felt secure and confident in their protection. However, when contractors came to expand the campus seven years later, they made a shocking discovery: that beautiful, impressive sprinkler system had never been connected to the water source. It had never been turned on. This system, which could have protected everyone, was useless because it lacked the one essential element: a connection to the power source.

How many of us as Christians find ourselves in a similar situation? We recognize that God's power is available. We understand it intellectually. We see what Jesus accomplished for us at the cross, yet we are not living victorious lives in Christ Jesus. We hear about it, read about it, see it demonstrated in others' lives, but we don't live it. We don't experience it. We don't access that power.

The entire purpose of Ephesians is not merely to show us where Jesus is or how Jesus is reigning. Paul is attempting to reveal the beautiful mountain peaks of our salvation, helping us see what we possess in Christ.

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you today, but like that sprinkler system, it must be connected to the Source.

The difference between power available and power accessed often comes down to our willingness to fully surrender to Christ's lordship. When we hold back areas of our lives from Christ's reign, we disconnect ourselves from the very Power Source we desperately need.

Reflection Question: What areas of your life feel like that disconnected sprinkler system - where you know God's power is available, but you haven't accessed it?

"Dear Heavenly Father, help me to connect my life fully to You, the Source of all power. I don't want to just know about Your strength intellectually - I want to experience it daily. Show me where I need to plug into Your power source more completely. In Jesus' Name, amen."

Adapted from "Reigning Through Christ" (Ephesians 1:19-23): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/qzggtfz/7-reigning-through-christ-eph-1-19-23