I've Got the Power?

Power. A word that has many definitions and sources. Leaders of nations have power. Household appliances use power. It can come from the wind and sun, as well as human relationships. There is power to create and there is power that destroys. They say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder", but is that also true of power?
   I heard an analogy this weekend about a fan and electricity/power. The fan can be turned off and on any number of times and it's not going to work unless it's plugged into a power source. How many times have I tried to do something in my life and failed to first plug into the power source? God's word and life provides just that; a power source.
   The Gospel reading from this past Sunday uses the same idea in a somewhat different context. Jesus asks a woman at the well to help him retrieve some water. She explains to him that the well is too deep and he will be unsuccessful in his efforts. He responds cleverly, as he often does, with the notion that she is the one unable to satisfy her need, unless she accepts him in faith. The power of God is capable of doing amazing things!
   Today's world does a pretty good job of pointing out other power sources for us to plug in to. Money, material possessions, popularity, beauty, and the list could keep going. The frightening thing is that most of these can you give some sense of power, but a power that will eventually disappear. I'm not a fan of those times I'm stuck at home without power though
. God's word and life is the only source that will never fail you, so long as you plug in to it.
   Scripture is a great place to find power when you are in need.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and don't lean on your own understanding. In all things acknowledge him, and he shall direct your way." Proverbs 3:5- 6 “Everything is possible for him who believes."  Mark 9:23 It (power) might not always be immediately felt or seen, but sometimes just knowing your are plugged in is reassuring.
  The beauty of our faith is that it is individual and communal. The individual faith is strengthened and challenged by the community just as the community strengthens and challenges the individual. This reality helps all involved stay plugged in and to experience the power of God needed to daily pick up the cross and carry it. God's word and our lived experiences in the community of faith we belong to will give us all the power we will ever need.
   I have seen what happens when people are plugged in and it's incredible. A young adult overcomes a form of cancer to get a college education and start a family. Another person is able to create a meaningful life after making a poor choice that caused a loss of life. A family is able to leave the roots they have put down to plant themselves in a new place.  None of these things would be possible without the individuals utilizing the power of their faith.
   How deep is your well and do you have the power?