My husband, Bill, and I run a gymnastics school called Roth’s CrossPoint Gymnastics where we train young gymnasts to reach their full potential. One thing our coaches try hard to teach our gymnasts is how to build power in their skills. If you watched the Olympics in Paris last summer, you probably saw gymnasts fly through the air and stick the landing. They had to learn through many years of difficult training to use their run, hurdle, and strength to build power that enables them to flip higher and farther. It’s pretty incredible what these hardworking athletes can do!
I schedule my work hours at the gym so that I can attend Study Together on Tuesday mornings at the church. (I have loved Study Together. It has been a true blessing to me as a busy mom and business owner.) Last fall in the Ephesians study, I was struck by Paul’s words in the first chapter: “and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead” (Ephesians 1:19-20a). It is absolutely incredible to know that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is in me!
A few days later as I was walking our dog, Scout, in the neighborhood, I began praying that the Holy Spirit would equip me, by the power of Christ, to preach the gospel boldly. A few seconds later, I saw a neighbor standing by a truck, watching another man working on the engine. I said hello and commented on the Christian song that was playing. The man came over to me to tell me he was a street preacher and that he believes in the power of the stars and crystals. Without even a thought or hesitation, I shared the gospel boldly–without fear. I immediately knew it was the power of the Holy Spirit in me, using me to bring truth and hope to this man. I could feel the Spirit’s power giving me the words to say! I walked away in tears, overwhelmed by the nearness of God and amazed that he would not only hear my prayer, but within a matter of moments, equip me to do his work.
Looking back, I shouldn’t have been surprised because in the very next chapter of Ephesians, Paul speaks these words: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). That means there are more good works waiting for me!
I am filled with joy knowing that, unlike our gymnasts, I don’t have to train or create my own power. I have access to a strength outside myself. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to me because of the riches in Christ, through the Holy Spirit. And it is this power that strengthens and equips me to do the good works that have been prepared for me.
