When you think of the word “power”, what comes to your mind initially? For some it is the thought of strength—being strong and able to lift heavy things. For others it is authority—being able to lead or control a large group of people.
Accompanied with the word power, would come energy and exertion. One must put forth a great effort (whether physical or mental) in order to use the power they have so that they can accomplish their task.
By definition, as a noun, power is the ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something. The word power has all kinds of synonyms, such as: capability, skill, talent, competency, effectiveness, efficacy, and qualification.
The most powerful being in the universe is without question, both physically and authoritatively, God. Yes, God has Almighty power—as seen in the creation of the world. By one word each day, He created the earth, the sky, the sun moon and stars, and myriads of plants, flowers, birds, and animals. This work took mighty power, which no one on this earth has the capability of doing.
You may read many verses in the Bible about God’s power, such as: “For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and His fury upon all their armies: He hath utterly destroyed them, He hath delivered them to the slaughter.” Isaiah 34:2. Also, “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, Mine anger and My fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched.” Jeremiah 7:20. Although these verses show the power of God, when it gets to this point, the Lord has tried everything possible to bring a change in the people; but, by their choice they refused His calls of mercy to repent and turn away from their evil ways, so the punishment was meted out as a consequence of their disobedience.
The greatest power of God though, that can accomplish something positive in the sinner is not seen in His strength and might as we think of in terms of power. His greatest power is shown by the skill that He uses to win the heart of man from sinner to saint.
Let us study some of the aspects of His power that He uses in the work of salvation for man—power that is also given us to use. This power comes in many forms that we do not initially think of; however, they have the capability of accomplishing much.
Power of Silence
Silence is quiet. No sound. How can silence be powerful? What can silence accomplish? Remember, power is the capability to accomplish something. Silence can actually do much.
There is a saying in English, “Silence is Golden.” Gold, we all know, is a very precious metal, worth a lot of money. Silence is equated to gold—very valuable. The original phrase was, “Speech is silver, silence is golden.”
Its exact origin is unknown; however, a poet named Thomas Carlyle is one of the first to use it in English in 1831. “Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves together; that at length they may emerge, full-formed and majestic, into the daylight of Life, which they are thenceforth to rule. . . . in thy own mean perplexities, do thou thyself but hold thy tongue for one day: on the morrow, how much clearer are thy purposes and duties; what wreck and rubbish have those mute workmen within thee swept away, when intrusive noises were shut out. . . . Speech too is great, but not the greatest. As the Swiss Inscription says: Sprecfien ist silbern, Schweigen ist golden (Speech is silvern, Silence is golden); or as I might rather express it: Speech is of Time, Silence is of Eternity.” https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/silence-is-golden.html
If you understand this old English, he actually makes some profound statements. Simply put, after a period of silence, one can emerge and be majestic and very useful. And, if you are perplexed, do not speak. Stop, be silent, and think. And, after some time all these perplexities will disappear.
Ellen G. White wrote much about the power of silence. Here are a few quotes:
“Those who desire to control others must first control themselves. . . . When a parent or teacher becomes impatient and is in danger of speaking unwisely, let him remain silent. There is wonderful power in silence.” –Child Guidance, p. 247. This is also true, not just for parents and teachers, but for all people, when tempted to become impatient and speak unwisely. Let the golden silence take priority over any silver words.
“We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. He bids us, ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’ This is the effectual preparation for all labor for God. Amidst the hurrying throng, and the strain of life’s intense activities, he who is thus refreshed, will be surrounded with an atmosphere of light and peace. He will receive a new endowment of both physical and mental strength. His life will breathe out a fragrance, and will reveal a divine power that will reach men’s hearts.” –The Ministry of Healing, p. 58
When Jesus was cleansing the temple He did no violence; so, what caused the people pain? “The confusion is hushed. The sound of traffic and bargaining has ceased. The silence becomes painful. A sense of awe overpowers the assembly.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 158. And, again when He cleansed the temple the second time. “Except for a few of His disciples, the Saviour stood alone. Every sound was hushed. The deep silence seemed unbearable.” –Ibid., p. 590. Silence here had a more profound effect on the people than any words they would have heard.
Jesus knew when to speak and when to be silent. At His trial, He said nothing when He stood before Herod, which disturbed Herod greatly. “Herod questioned Christ in many words, but throughout the Saviour maintained a profound silence.” –Ibid., p. 729
There is, “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” Ecclesiastes 3:7. It is not easy at times to be silent in adversity, especially if wrongly accused. Human nature is tempted to immediately speak up and defend one’s self. But, silence is often the best response. Silence, and given time, you may either choose to continue remaining silent, or calm down and choose your words wisely, rather than rashly giving an answer and explanation immediately. Give it a day or two. Pray about it and then if it warrants, give a response. As Thomas Carlyle said, “hold thy tongue for one day: on the morrow, how much clearer are thy purposes and duties.”
“Whenever little annoyances and trials arise, ask God in silent prayer to give you strength and grace to bear them patiently. There is a power in silence; do not speak a word until you have sent up your petition to the God of heaven. If you will always do this, you will soon overcome your hasty temper, and you will have a little heaven here to go to heaven in.” –In Heavenly Places p. 30
Silence indeed is very powerful and has the capability of accomplishing much. In silence, you hear the voice of God more clearly. Your character is refined when you do not respond rashly. Your silence and calmness can speak volumes to those who are falsely accusing you. You yourself will earn patience and trust in God, who will vindicate you in His time.
Power of Love
When you think of love, you think of warmth and affection. Everyone wants to be loved. Love is a tender compassionate affection for another person. It is quiet and gentle. Can we say that love has power? Does it have the capability of accomplishing something? Very much so.
Although hate, being the opposite of love, is a very powerful, emotional tool of Satan that has caused nothing but division and has led to much violence and even wars, love has more power than hate. God chose to win the battle against evil, not by might, nor powerful force, but by the power of love. Love took Him to Calvary. It was love for you that led Him to the cross. Love is simple, warm and affectionate. “Satan trembles and flees before the weakest soul who finds refuge in that mighty Name.” –In Heavenly Places, p. 256
My daughter gave me a little sign that I have hung on my wall saying, “Today I choose love.” Love is one choice you make amongst many every day.
Love is said to not only be an emotional feeling, but also a principle. Love is doing something good for someone you care a lot about, whether the “feeling” is there or not. You may be feeling tired in the morning, but you cheerfully get up and make breakfast for the one you love, because you want to, regardless of how you feel. It is not easily explained, yet it is a word everyone knows.
“Pure love is simple in its operations, and separate from every other principle of action. . . . The natural heart cannot originate it. This heavenly plant only flourishes where Christ reigns supreme. Where love exists, there is power and truth in the life. Love does good, and nothing
but good. Those who have love bear fruit unto holiness, and in the end everlasting life.” – Sons and Daughters of God, p. 49
What does love have power to do and accomplish? I believe this next statement says it well. “Love is power. Intellectual and moral strength are involved in this principle, and cannot be separated from it. The power of wealth has a tendency to corrupt and destroy; the power of force is strong to do hurt; but the excellence and value of pure love consist in its efficiency to do good, and to do nothing else than good . . . . Love will gain the victory when argument and authority are powerless. . . . It is diffusive in its nature and quiet in its operation, yet strong and mighty in its purpose to overcome great evils. It is melting and transforming in its influence, and will take hold of the lives of the sinful and affect their hearts when every other means has proved unsuccessful. Wherever the power of intellect, of authority, or of force is employed, and love is not manifestly present, the affections and will of those whom we seek to reach assume a defensive, repelling position, and their strength of resistance is increased. Jesus was the Prince of Peace. He came into the world to bring resistance and authority into subjection to Himself. Wisdom and strength He could command, but the means He employed with which to overcome evil were the wisdom and strength of love.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 135–136
This love has brought us to Christ and accomplished a change in our lives for the better, and now we must share it. It is true Christlike love that has the capability of changing the natural sinful human heart from desiring the things of this world to want to serve the living God.
A song is often just a poem put to music for the purpose of singing. Just what kind of power does song carry? What can it accomplish? Very much. “There are few means more effective for fixing His words in the memory than repeating them in song. And such song has wonderful power. It has power to subdue rude and uncultivated natures; power to quicken thought and to awaken sympathy, to promote harmony of action, and to banish the gloom and foreboding that destroy courage and weaken effort.” – Education, p.167–168
It has much power for either good or for evil. “The history of the songs of the Bible is full of suggestion as to the uses and benefits of music and song. Music is often perverted to serve purposes of evil, and it thus becomes one of the most alluring agencies of temptation. But, rightly employed, it is a precious gift of God, designed to uplift the thoughts to high and noble themes, to inspire and elevate the soul. . . .
“It is one of the most effective means of impressing the heart with spiritual truth. How often to the soul hard-pressed and ready to despair memory recalls some word of God’s–the long-forgotten burden of a childhood song–and temptations lose their power, life takes on new meaning and new purpose, and courage and gladness are imparted to other souls!
“As a part of religious service singing is as much an act of worship as is prayer. Indeed, many a song is prayer.” –Child Guidance, p. 523
Wrongly used, it is one of the most alluring agencies of temptation, but used correctly, temptation loses its power.
“Begin to educate your tongues to praise Him and train your hearts to make melody to God; and when the evil one begins to settle his gloom about you, sing praise to God. When things go crossways at your homes, strike up a song about the matchless charms of the Son of God, and I tell you, when you touch this strain, Satan will leave you. You can drive out the enemy with his gloom; . . . and you can see, oh, so much clearer, the love and compassion of your heavenly Father.” –In Heavenly Places, p. 95
“As lessons of the wondrous works of God are repeated, and as the heart’s gratitude is expressed in prayer and song, angels from heaven take up the strain and unite in praise and thanksgiving to God. These exercises drive back the power of Satan. They expel murmurings and complainings, and Satan loses ground.” –Ibid., p. 288
Satan does not like the sound of heavenly music. Although he is more powerful than each one of us, his power is driven back by melodious songs of praise. He loses ground. Why not use the power of song and sing regularly as you go about your daily duties?
Power of Prayer
Prayer is scoffed at by the unbeliever and Atheist. However, for the Christian it is a great blessing. Every sincere earnest prayer reaches to the heavens, to the ear of the most powerful being in the universe, and He listens.
“‘All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive’ (Matthew 21:22). These words are the pledge that all that an omnipotent Saviour can bestow will be given to those who trust in Him.” –Mind, Character and Personality, vol. 2, p. 467. “The prayer of faith is the key that unlocks the treasury of heaven.” –Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, p. 196
“If Satan sees that he is in danger of losing one soul, he will exert himself to the utmost to keep that one. And when the individual is aroused to his danger, and, with distress and fervor, looks to Jesus for strength, Satan fears that he will lose a captive, and he calls a reinforcement of his angels to hedge in the poor soul, and form a wall of darkness around him, that heaven’s light may not reach him. But if the one in danger perseveres, and in his helplessness casts himself upon the merits of the blood of Christ, our Saviour listens to the earnest prayer of faith, and sends a reinforcement of those angels that excel in strength to deliver him. Satan cannot endure to have his powerful rival appealed to, for he fears and trembles before His strength and majesty. At the sound of fervent prayer, Satan’s whole host trembles. He continues to call legions of evil angels to accomplish his object. And when angels, all-powerful, clothed with the armory of heaven, come to the help of the fainting, pursued soul, Satan and his host fall back, well knowing that their battle is lost.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 345–346
When we get a glimpse like this into the invisible world, why would anyone hesitate to pray, or be too busy to pray? Prayer is the life blood of the Christian. What a solemn thought, the whole host of Satan trembles at the sound of faithful prayer. “What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children, and yet there is much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God.” –Steps to Christ, p. 94. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and thus you will have a wall of heavenly angels around you all day long.
Not With Outward Show
God’s greatest power for man’s salvation is not with outward show and His greatest joy in the use of His power is to save the sinner. “He delights to reveal His power to transform hearts.”–The Acts of the Apostles, p. 12. This, no earthly power can accomplish. This is a quiet and gentle use of His power.
The still small voice that spoke to Elijah on the mountain (1 Kings 19:11–13) had a more powerful impact on Elijah than the fire, the earthquake and the strong wind. This quiet voice reached his heart. And, this is what the Lord wants to do for mankind. He does not want to force obedience through His strength and mighty power. No, He wants to melt the heart of man and accomplish a genuine and permanent change through gentleness and love, that no forceful power can accomplish.
The Lord does not work through the most fancy, large, and expensive church either. His church has always been humble—with no outward show. “During ages of spiritual darkness the church of God has been as a city set on a hill. From age to age, through successive generations, the pure doctrines of heaven have been unfolding within its borders. Enfeebled and defective as it may appear, the church is the one object upon which God bestows in a special sense His supreme regard. It is the theater of His grace, in which He delights to reveal His power to transform hearts.” –The Acts of the Apostles, p. 12
He delights to quietly forgive the sins of the repentant sinner. “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house.” Matthew 9:6–7. This verse shows the dual nature of the power of God. He has the ability to heal a sick man, and also to forgive sins. Although Catholic priests claim to be able to forgive people their sins they do not have the power to say to a paralyzed man, “rise, take up your bed and walk.” Their power is not genuine. It cannot change hearts; only God’s gentle power can.
What power do we have without Christ? Nothing. However, God has given each of us a will to use and He will not go against our will. He has respect unto us for our choices. God will not force you. Although if we use our power of will to make the wrong choices, He will not protect us from any consequences that would result. “The Spirit does not work in a manner and power beyond the human agent’s power of resistance.” –The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1159
“Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation: and Thy right hand hath holden me up, and Thy gentleness hath made me great.” Psalm 18:35. It was the gentleness of God that made David great. This is how God works with man—very gently. And, may we learn from His meekness and gentleness in all our dealings with our fellow man. Praise be to God for His great love and care that He has for us because we certainly do not deserve it. May it melt our hearts and accomplish the change that God desires to see in us to prepare us to dwell in the heavenly mansions above. Amen.
Wendy Eaton