Christian love, in its purest form, Agape, is a force that can restore and rebuild. This message explores the concept of restoring the years, not through human effort, but through the divine power of Christ within us. We delve into the scriptures to understand how God’s grace empowers us to overcome challenges and achieve our full potential in Him.
The Source of Our Competence: Christ Within
Our journey towards realizing our unlimited potential begins with acknowledging that true strength and competence come not from ourselves, but from God. Zechariah 4:6 reminds us, “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord.” This principle is echoed in 1 Samuel 2:9: “He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the darkness; for not by strength does one prevail.” Our human achievements and qualifications, while valuable, pale in comparison to the power of God working within us.
2 Corinthians 3:5 reinforces this truth: “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” The NIV translation clarifies further: “Not that we are complete in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” This understanding shifts our focus from self-reliance to reliance on God’s grace. The CEV translation puts it simply: “We don’t have the right to claim that we have done anything on our own. God gives us what it takes to do all we do.” Everything we accomplish, every victory we achieve, is ultimately a testament to God’s power working through us.
The Anointing: Our Weapon Against the Enemy
The anointing of the Holy Spirit is the most potent weapon against the enemy. It’s the source of divine wisdom, guidance, and power. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, the Apostle Paul describes his own experience with a “thorn in the flesh,” a messenger of Satan meant to keep him humble. Despite his pleas for its removal, God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul understood that true strength resided not in his own abilities, but in his dependence on Christ.
This anointing is also the source of knowledge and understanding. 1 John 2:20 and 27 declare, “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things… But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.” This anointing empowers us to discern truth, navigate challenges, and live in accordance with God’s will.
Faith Over Feelings: Activating God’s Power
Many struggle to experience the fullness of God’s promises because they rely on feelings rather than faith. Mark 11:24 provides a clear instruction: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” This doesn’t mean we should manufacture feelings of having received; rather, it emphasizes the importance of unwavering belief in God’s faithfulness, regardless of our emotional state. True faith transcends feelings and anchors itself in the unchanging Word of God.
Our True King: Shifting Our Focus
Our hope and trust should not be placed in human leaders or systems, but in Jesus Christ, our true King. He is the source of true salvation and deliverance. We must shift our focus from earthly solutions to divine intervention. As kingdom citizens, our allegiance is to God, and He is our ultimate provider and protector.
Standing Firm in Faith: The Example of Daniel
The story of Daniel illustrates the power of unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Despite being framed and thrown into a lion’s den, Daniel’s faith remained unshaken. God protected him, proving that our trust in Him will never be misplaced. Just as Daniel emerged victorious, so too can we overcome any obstacle through the power of Christ within.
Restoring the Years: A Promise of Renewal
God desires to restore the years that have been lost, stolen, or wasted. He wants to bring healing, restoration, and abundance into our lives. This is not a distant hope, but a present reality available to those who place their faith in Him. Through the power of the anointing, we can experience breakthroughs, miracles, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Conclusion: Embracing God’s Power Within
Restoring the years is not about striving in our own strength, but about yielding to the power of Christ within. By embracing the anointing, placing our faith in God’s Word, and shifting our focus to Jesus as our true King, we can unlock our unlimited potential and experience the fullness of God’s promises. This is a journey of faith, a journey of restoration, and a journey of discovering the incredible power that resides within each of us through Christ.
