Do you ever wonder why you do not know more of the power of God at work in your life? We know that God spoke all things into existence. The Bible describes how the voice of God shakes mountains and parts the sea. One word from God will close the mouths of lions or bring young men through a blazing furnace. And, yet, we have a hard time not losing our temper with our spouses.
How can we know the gracious power of God at work in our lives?
The answer to that question has to do with a concept sometimes called “means of grace.” The Bible teaches that God does graciously work in our lives. But, he does not do this in mystical, unexpected ways. Rather, God works through certain appointed means, or in certain ways.
These ways that God works in our lives include prayer, the study of Scripture, hearing the word preached and close friendships and fellowship with other believers.
I remember when I first really begin to understand this concept of cooperating with God’s appointed means of grace. I was working on my MBA at the University of Northern Iowa. I began attending a group where the Scripture was proclaimed. I also developed some close Christian friendships and at one point made it my goal to read through the book of Philippians on a daily basis. The results were stunning. I suddenly found myself growing as a believer in ways I never could have expected or manufactured on my own.
Only believers who cooperate with God’s appointed means of grace – - who pray and fellowship and hear the Word preached will consistently know the power of God at work in their lives.
