Supernatural Power

Just as there exists a supernatural realm and a supernatural life, there is also supernatural power available for believers. Christianity is founded on the power of God. Paul says, “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power” (1 Cor. 4:20). Before Christ ascended to heaven, He told His disciples to tarry at Jerusalem for power from on high. Supernatural power is given to the believer to enable him live the supernatural life and for the ministry.

In the book of Acts the disciples deliberately tapped into the power of God, which explains the secret of their success and impact. Starting from Acts 1:14, we see the disciples gathered to pray for power. In Acts 2: 1-4, the disciples were baptised with the Holy Spirit’s power. Then in Acts 4, they were baptised afresh with the Holy Spirit’s power. Consequently, they were able to testify to the world with power about the resurrection of Jesus. In Acts 6, Stephen was described as one who was “full of faith and power,” upon which he “did great wonders and miracles among the people.” Thus, those who possess supernatural power can do wonders and miracles.

Certain incidents in the Acts of the Apostles illustrate the working of supernatural power through the lives and ministry of the apostles. First, in Acts 8:14-25; Peter and John were sent from Jerusalem to Samaria to pray for the new converts. When they got there, they laid hand on the people to receive the Holy Spirit. Once Simon the sorcerer saw this, he quickly offered them money and said, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Simon was willing to give anything to receive the grace for power. Men are willing to pay anything to get supernatural power and those who possess power are most times the attraction of the world.

In Acts 12, Herod had killed James, he then proceeded to “seize Peter” wanting to kill him. But the disciples unleashed the supernatural power of prayer. Suddenly, the night before Herod was to kill Peter, God sent His angel into the prison room, where Peter was to rescue and lead Peter out of the prison bars. God’s supernatural power delivers from danger and from the wicked intentions of men.

Acts 16:16-34, is another demonstration of the power of God. Paul and Silas had cast out a spirit of divination that trailed them for days from a young girl. That incident immediately stirred up a controversy, which landed them into trouble. They were soon arraigned before a magistrate and sentenced to prison. Right in the prison, they remained undaunted. Rather than mourn and sulk over their incarceration, they sang hymns and prayed to God. Suddenly, God’s power was unleashed. An earthquake struck and the prison doors flung open and the jailer, for fear that they had escaped attempted to commit suicide.

But Paul and Silas restrained him. Eventually, the jailer and his household surrendered their lives to Christ. The Holy Spirit is the source of supernatural power. Power is obtained through commitment to prayer, holiness and the study of the word of God. Power must undergird the work of the kingdom and the proclamation of the gospel of Christ. Paul wrote, “And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God,” (1 Cor.2: 4,5).
Contact: pastoracukachi@gmail.com