Who's Got The Power?

418f9139268c4b1797589640f1fc9ebe_6 Did you know that nothing can, or cannot, happen to you without the approval or knowledge of your heavenly Father?  Did you know that, when trouble comes, there is someone ultimately in control?  Someone who really and truly cares about you and has your best interest in mind.  Nothing, nothing, has more power over your life, or your circumstances, than the power of God.

"Where do you come from?" Pilate asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer.  "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said.  "Don't you realize I have the power either to free you or to crucify you?"  Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above." John 19:9-11

That's a pretty weighty declaration Jesus makes.  Pilate thinks he's the one calling the shots.  He assumes he's the one with the power over Jesus' destiny.  What Pilate doesn't realize is that Jesus' life is not in his hands.  If God had not given Pilate power, Jesus would not be standing before him with his life on the line.  Jesus knew this.  Jesus understood who he belonged to and for what purpose his death would serve.  Pilate was only a part of the story.

Sometimes I wrestle with this.  I find myself in a challenging situation, and I just want scratch and claw my way out of it.  I don't want to go through difficulties.  I think maybe there is something I can do to "fix" everything.  And then I read those very simple yet profound  words of Jesus: "You would have no power over me if it had not been given from above."

Stop for a moment and think about that.  Nothing can have power over me or you unless it has been given from above.  God is in control.  And if he is allowing the pressure of pain to push deep, then he must know that the resurrection of your life, or your dreams, or your hopes, is on its way.  The same power that was given to Pilate is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead!

Nothing can happen to us that hasn't already passed through God's hands.  I take great comfort in this, whether it be in the challenges I face raising my children, or when a dream seems to be pushed aside and forgotten.  God is in control.  And I really like the idea of God's power working in my favor, even if it means facing some disappointments along the way.