Empowerment

Scripture – Acts 1:6-9: ⁶So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸But 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.” ⁹After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

Reflection: – Just like me, the disciples wanted to know more. And Jesus replied to them, “It is not for you to know…” He did, however, give them a couple hints of what to expect. They would receive power and they would be His witnesses.

I often find myself afraid of the power Christ gives. I’m afraid to do some of the things He empowers me to do. I’d rather hide behind my feelings of weakness. So I set limits on myself, and use them to keep myself safe.

Today I’ll stretch a bit. I’ll keep an eye out for the times I begin to retreat behind my self-made wall. When I catch myself, I’ll stay out front and see what happens.

Lord, help me do that. I can’t be your witness if I stay in hiding.

What limits do you have in your life? Which ones are self-imposed? What could you do to step out a bit today?