And you shall receive Power

*And You Shall Receive Power*

*Scripture:*

"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 (NIV)

*Reflection:*

Jesus didn’t leave His disciples with a to-do list and good luck. He promised power. Not the kind that impresses people, but the kind that enables them to live and speak like Him when it mattered most.

The word for power here is _dunamis_—it’s where we get “dynamite.” It’s explosive, enabling, supernatural strength. And it’s tied directly to the Holy Spirit coming on you. God doesn’t call you to witness, to love, to forgive, to stand firm, and then expect you to manufacture the strength for it yourself. He gives His Spirit to do what you can’t do alone.

Notice the purpose: “you will be my witnesses.” The power isn’t for self-advancement or private spiritual highs. It’s for mission. It’s for having courage when you’d rather stay quiet. For speaking truth with gentleness when you’d rather avoid conflict. For loving people who are hard to love. For staying faithful when the cost is real.

This power doesn’t make you fearless overnight. It makes Christ present with you in the fear. It’s why Peter went from denying Jesus in a courtyard to preaching to thousands a few weeks later. Same man, different source of strength.

You don’t have to strive to earn this power. You receive it. The question is whether you’re living dependent on it, or trying to run on your own fuel.

*Prayer:*

Holy Spirit, I need Your power today. I can’t live, love, and witness like Jesus in my own strength. Fill me afresh. Make me bold, tender, and faithful to be Your witness wherever I am. Amen.

*Application:*

1. *Ask*: Pray specifically today for the Holy Spirit’s power for one situation you’re facing.

2. *Yield*: Identify one area where you’ve been relying on your own strength and surrender it to Him.

3. *Speak*: Look for one opportunity today to be a witness—through a word, an act of kindness, or standing for truth.

Jesus promised you don’t go alone. Where do you need to stop relying on your own strength and start depending on the Spirit’s power today?