Former Blackout Artist

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.
– Zechariah 4:6

There have been many times in my life when I thought, “I can handle this. I’ve got the skills, the experience, and the determination.” And sometimes, I did manage to get things done – at least to a point. But I’ve learned a hard truth: no matter how capable I think I am, my strength and talent will take me only so far.

God’s work, done God’s way, requires God’s Spirit.

When I first got involved in prison ministry, it wasn’t because I had a burning desire to do it. Honestly, I just went to a luncheon with my wife, who was already a volunteer. She has years of public-speaking experience, a gift for communication, and a deep knowledge of the Bible. I, on the other hand, felt pretty unqualified in comparison.

But as I sat there listening to her and her ministry partners talk about their work, something began stirring inside me. I realized they weren’t seminary graduates or professional theologians… they were ordinary people who were willing to step into a place of need. Then the ministry director (who was familiar with my years of alcoholism that led me to my recovery journey) looked at me and said, “We have a real need for men like you to take a weekly Bible study into a local drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility that we’re associated with. You can relate to them and they can relate to you, and you can offer them real hope. You should think about joining us.”

I didn’t commit right away, but I told him I’d think about it. That was five years ago. Today, I’m still serving. And it has been life-changing for me.

The truth is, God has equipped me along the way. He’s given me wisdom, the ability to communicate effectively, and the confidence to share the gospel with real people who have real problems. I could never have done this on my own. All that was required of me was a willing spirit, and the Holy Spirit did the rest.

God has given each of us talents and abilities, but they are like tools lying on a workbench. They become infinitely more effective when the Holy Spirit picks them up and uses them for His purposes. My best effort will always fall short until it is blessed, guided, and empowered by God. When I remember that, it changes the way I work, serve, and live. True success in God’s eyes is “not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.

Today, I choose to let go of the illusion that I can do it all myself. I will bring my abilities to God, place them in His hands, and trust the Holy Spirit to make them more than I ever could on my own.

Thoughts for Today:

• Think of a time when you stepped into something you didn’t feel equipped for. How did God provide?
• In what areas of your life do you still tend to rely more on your own ability than on God’s Spirit?

“Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind. We are useless.” – Charles Spurgeon