Power By The Spirit
God’s Power 4
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)
The Bible clearly tells us, that the Spirit that God gave us, gave us power, love, self – discipline, self control and sound mind.
This means that any spirit that makes us powerless, weak, fearful, lawless and thoughtless is not the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives power not sickness, infirmity or bondage. We should realize that anything that is bad is not from God even though God permit’s it. Every good and perfect present comes from God.
God does not give evil that is why Jesus told us to pray to God for Him to deliver us from all or every evil not just some evil. Jesus also told us that God will not give us snake when we ask for fish and that the Father will give good things to those who ask.
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Luke 11:11
However, do we ask? When we ask, are we persistent? Do we persevere in prayer or do we give up and say the evil we want relief from is from God?
God does not enjoy evil so it is surprising that some Christians have bought the idea of “carry your cross” or God using evil for His own purpose. That error originated from some orthodox Churches but it is the same as attributing evil to God.
Evil comes from our human nature and it’s limitations and weakness not from the all powerful and mighty God. God will never gain anything from you experiencing evil.
It is good never to give up your faith and to keep praying for what you desire including freedom from loneliness. Some Christians are even preaching that God gives people gift of singleness – error. God wants you to desire and pray for company and support but if you stubbornly say it is God’s will for you to be single or remain single how then will you fiercely pray against what the devil is doing in your life? God does not like loneliness and He is not lonely!
The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18
This word is superior to any contrary arguments you might gave – even children know this Scripture!
Complacency is laziness. Keep praying and never give up – hold your faith. It does not matter at what age, God gives you a partner and helper but never give up or say you have the gift of singleness.
However, enjoy your single state while it lasts, never be worried or depressed and keep thanking God in every circumstance. Be positive and happy always – single or married. Be content but pray for more. Contentment does not mean complacency.
When Paul found himself in prison with Silas, He was not worried or depressed. Paul Himself who said that He knows the secret of how to be content in every situation was content but He prayed for deliverance with joy, praise and thanksgiving!
God permit’s what man wants even the bad things that man craves with the judgement that follows but that is not God’s perfect will for man. His perfect will is power, love and fruitfulness. That is why the Holy Spirit was given to us.
The Holy Spirit was not given to us for us to ignore Him but for us to recognize His place and tap into the power, deliverance, righteousness, holiness and healing that He gives.
The Spirit is the Lord and the Lord is all powerful and gives power.
Thank God for His glorious grace that gives us power, love and sound mind. Glory to God!
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Thank you Laura always for your posts. I think they are encouraging reminders of Christ and who we are in Him. The one thing in this post I don’t understand is in light of Paul’s desire we be like him (single) to know and serve God more fully. Jesus also talked about only some people have the the ability to not marry, i.e. “eunuchs.” I think many people can probably do somewhat close to the same Kingdom work while married, but in a different dynamic or set of circumstances. Being single does permit sole focus on the Lord, but most are likely not called to a life of celibacy. Love you sister, Tim
Thank you so much for the inspiring words and contribution to this post. Actually a lot of believers struggle with the message by Paul about being single to be focused on the Lords service. I was also convinced about people being called to celibacy but a senior minister once explained to me that those who are called to be single for the purpose of God’s work have to be called to extraordinary works for the Lord. They also need to manifest unusual annointing. Paul chose to be single – He was not forced to be single by circumstances and inability to find or pray for a partner.
The Holy Spirit has been teaching me about the benefits of marriage and it has been consistent. He specifically told me that marriage is for companionship, help, support and love. He reminded me of His word that said – it is not good for man to be alone. Even those who struggle with sexual problems can be married for companionship. I know many people who have various struggles and are happily married.
The error that I see, is that a lot of people do not hear from the Holy Spirit and are not led by the Holy Spirit and just presume that they are called to celibacy. Just like in the case of Paul’s thorn in the flesh, Paul heard from the Holy Spirit – He did not presume but a lot of believers who should be praying for healing assume that God has given them thorn in the flesh like Paul.
In summary, we should always be led by the Holy Spirit when it comes to very strategic desciions that can impact our lives positively or negatively. If a believer has heard from the Holy Spirit and is sure that He is not hearing from his own mind or being deceived by negative spirits then it is very good for that believer to be single but the truth is that most believers simply presume without any clarity from the Holy Spirit or being led by the Holy Spirit. Like you rightly said, “ but most are likely not called to a life of celibacy. “ I totally agree.
Thanks once again, beloved brother in Christ. I appreciate your thoughts greatly. 💕😊🙏