Throughout Israel’s history, many times of battle are recorded. After Elisha’s death, the Israelites were burying a man next to the tomb of Elisha when a band of Moabite raiders came passing through. In their panic to protect themselves from a skirmish, the Israelites threw the man’s corpse into Elisha’s tomb. No one could possibly foresee what would happen next.

“So Elisha died, and they buried him. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land in the spring of the year. And as a man was being buried, behold, a marauding band was seen and the man was thrown into the grave of Elisha, and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.” 2 Kings 13:20-21

Even after dying, the power of Elisha did not end, because the power was not his own. His power came from the Lord and was still working through Elisha’s body to bring life back to this man. Can you imagine what it was like for the Israelites to see the power of God at work right before their eyes? What a renewal of trust in God they must have had!

Paul reminds us of the same power at work in himself and each of us who have come to a saving faith in the Lord Jesus. God calls each of us to share His Gospel and to live our lives to show others Him. He does not ask for us to do this in our own strength. Paul himself asks God for the spiritual strength necessary to do the ministry God called him to do.

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,” Ephesians 3:14-16. Paul knew God supplied him with all he needed to do the work God called him to do.

God gives us that same power as the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us at salvation. He fills us with His fullness and gifts us with all we need to serve and glorify Him. There is no situation that He cannot use us as we submit to His will.

Ephesians 3:20-21 further encourages us, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.”

Everything we do, as with Paul and Elisha, is through the power of God. There is nothing within His will that cannot be accomplished. So often, even after a person goes home to be with the Lord, God still uses the believer’s life and testimony to reach others for Him. The power of God continues.

When we yield to God, His power is truly effective in our lives and brings glory to Him as others see Him. God’s power worked through Elisha’s bones to bring physical life. God’s power worked through Paul to bring spiritual life. How are you allowing God’s power to use you? Do you pray for His strength to do the work He has called you to do? The power of God brings death to life. Let His power work through you today.

In His Love,

Susan