Plugging into Resurrection Power
By Rick Warren
“But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9b NLT, second edition).
Life is tough. I realize that’s no surprise to you. You live with that truth every day. Some of us are going through emotional difficulties. Some of us are going through physical issues. Some of us are going through relational issues.
All of us are going through something.
Even one of the great heroes in all of the Bible — Paul, the apostle — went through tough times. The Bible says he was once so depressed he told God he was ready to die. He even asked God to kill him!
How did Paul get through that difficult time?
He plugged into Jesus’ Resurrection power.
Paul wrote, “But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead” (1 Corinthians 1:9b NLT, second edition).
The Bible says Paul felt “crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure.” He got to the end of himself.
And that’s exactly where he needed to be.
There’s only one condition for God’s power in your life: humility. You must admit you need it. God does not give his power to arrogant people. Humility tells the Lord, “You are God, and I’m not. You’re right, and I’m not. You have the power, and I don’t. You are wise, and I’m not. And I am powerless to change this situation, so I’m going to give it to you.”
The moment you do that, God brings the power of the Resurrection of Jesus into your situation.
God specializes in bringing back to life dead things. God loves to turn crucifixions into resurrections.
What’s dead in your life? If God can raise a dead person, he can raise a dead marriage, a dead career, or a dead dream. God can do anything.
That’s the power of the Resurrection.
Playtoday’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>
Talk It Over
- What seemingly dead, hopeless thing in your life do you need God to resurrect?
- What keeps you from believing that the God who raised men from the dead can handle your toughest situation?
- How can you humble yourself?
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit rickwarren.org
The secret to being happy no matter what is looking at every experience and circumstance you face from God’s viewpoint. When you go through difficult times joy becomes a choice you make minute by minute. Written by Pastor Rick’s wife, Kay Warren, this Devotional book is the perfect tool to help you stay focused on God’s word and see things from His perspective. Each devotion begins with a much needed encouragement from Scripture, followed by Kay's wise words on how to live with joy. Each devotion ends with a short prayer to help bring you closer to the source of all joy—our loving God.
This devotional © 2016 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can also listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
