Like everyone, sometimes I would get overconfident, especially when I was young. I thought I knew just how to accomplish this or that. Then wham, reality would set in sometimes harshly.

I once thought I could repair a lighting fixture on my porch. I proceeded with my son to get the tools needed to take apart the fixture. I thought, this will save me $50 at least. I was so sure of my knowledge of the wiring, I didn’t bother to shut off power to the fixture. Even my young son pointed out that shutting the light switch only, did not turn off the feed to the wires. I assured him it was ok, and he watched as I pulled the wires apart. I was literally knocked clear across the porch by the bolt of juice that shot out of the fixture. I landed on my bottom, but I was alright, Praise God!

It was just cockiness on my part. I had totally ignored a lesson my Father had taught me, that is to always shut power to any electric fixture you work on. I had even seen him get shocked severely when we were both younger in almost the same way. It reminded me that human pride can make us all stupid and create needless danger to ourselves and others.

To me as a Christian this incident, where I ignored my Fathers teaching and my sons warning, brought to mind the need to follow God’s guidance when I approach His work. Whether I am ministering to seniors, singing in the choir, helping the homeless, witnessing to those who don’t believe, giving of my wealth, or even just being friendly, I should never ignore God’s instruction. Jesus warns us of Satan’s power. I can first shut down the dangerous power of Satan, by praying, reading scripture, and relying on advice from more experienced Christian brothers and sisters. Then I can best accomplish what God directs me to do, allowing his magnificent healing power to flow through me. He can empower the mission at hand, helping us accomplish our tasks with His Spirit’s protection.

Remember God Loves You unconditionally!

Maranatha

Joey

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” Ephesians 3:20