Ephesians 1:13-14

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14

For one who is being drawn to God, there comes a time when the hearing of the word of truth ignites authentic faith deep in one’s soul. Paul wrote in Romans 10:17 that faith in God comes through hearing the word of God. It is amazing that God uses language—mere words that can be written on a page—to change the eternal destiny of the hearer if they are believed and received. Not just any words, mind you, but it is the words of the gospel that changes everything.

However, no matter how sincere one is when the gospel is understood and embraced by faith, one cannot grow in faith without supernatural help. Jesus told His disciples, “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Therefore, when we believe the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation, the Holy Spirit is given as a pledge of our future inheritance. It is by the Spirit of God that we are enabled to do the will of God in our lives.

Certainly it is possible that by sheer will power, one can do some very good things. There are obviously many ungodly people who have done many good things, and by receiving the praise of men they have their reward. Christians can also achieve great things in their own strength, but God is not glorified in self-achievement. God is glorified when His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

No matter how weak or inadequate or powerless you feel today, it is God’s Spirit who is in you, and He is your strength today.

Tom Day