Where does our power come from? What or who is the source of power?

Step 1 of Celebrate Recovery states we are powerless over our addictions and compulsions and our lives are unmanageable. So if I do not have the power to manage my own life then who or what does?

It’s kind of like a table lamp. If it is not plugged into a power source, an electrical outlet in the wall, the lamp is unable to provide light. As hard as I try to tell that lamp to light up the room, it is unable to do so without an electrical power source. But if I plug in the lamp and turn on the switch, it can then light up the room.

We are like that lamp! If we are not “plugged in” to a source of power, we, too, cannot light up and carry out our purpose in life. And it is very hard to manage life in the dark – where we have tried to manage our lives. Addictions and compulsions may promise you that they can give you power and control, but your and my life are unmanageable in the dark. Our power is worthless.

Just look around. Friendships are broken, I am dependent on alcohol, drugs, sex, food, gambling, relationships, etc., bills go unpaid, I’m in trouble at work and with the law, I may have an unwanted pregnancy and/or a sexually transmitted disease, along with feeling guilt, shame, and anger; all is out of control! We all are indeed powerless.

So, just like the lamp needed to be plugged in to give light, we also need to plug into a dependable and never-ending source of power to live life to the fullest. Who is our source of power? Step 2 in Celebrate Recovery reveals that source. We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. That source is Jesus Christ (God).

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13

Jesus declares that he is the light of the world.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”” John‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So, if each of us is willing to plug into the source of power, Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, we will be connected to the eternal and faithful source of power. And like a lamp, we too will be able to light up with Jesus’ light and live out our purpose in life in a way that restores sanity to our life. Sanity is about making decisions based on the truth. And Jesus stated that he is the Truth.

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Each of us gets to choose whether we will “turn on” the switch of our life/lamp to allow Jesus’ power to be at work within us. Once we plug in to Jesus’ power, we are the one that lets his power in. It is our decision.

What does Jesus power do for us? Why do I want to remain plugged in and turned on with Jesus and His power?

Jesus gives us the visual of a vine and its branches and fruit in John 15.

““I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John‬ ‭15:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Because apart from Jesus, we can do nothing. We would remain in the dark and our lives would remain unmanageable. But a branch that remains attached to its source of power, energy, nutrition, and light, will be able to produce fruit.

Jesus Christ is the only higher power who offers the truth (reality), the power, the way, and the life. He will teach us how to live our lives as we choose to follow him, remain attached to him, and keep the power switch turned on.

And, a natural outcome will be our own reflection of Jesus’ light as his power works in us.

““You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:14-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So – plug into Jesus’ power and light. He will help bring sanity back into your life and he will light up your world with his truth. The fruit you produce in good deeds is about being grateful to God for giving you his power and light. Just plug in to him, turn on the switch, and share his light and fruit with others.