I’ve got the power but what will I do with it?

We have just had solar panels installed at the church building. Immediately after installation they were generating electricity even though it was cloudy and at 5.30pm it was beginning to go dark. The panels are great whenever the sun is out but when they are not receiving light they are ineffective.

The ability of the panels to receive light and to transfer that power is a helpful analogy of what our relationship with should be like God.

Jesus is the light of the world but he also tells his followers that we are the light of the world. We can be the light as long as we realize that Jesus is the power source. While we look to Jesus and call on him to fill us with his light, love, power and hope then we can transmit those things. Sometimes when we feel burnt out, it is because we have tried to shine for Jesus in our own power and strength.

On a cloudy day we can forget that the sun is shining and at times in an ordinary day we can forget that Jesus is with us. Although we may forget, both the sun and Jesus continue to be a reality that is with us. May we look to Jesus constantly, relying on him in all that we do.

Our vision at Orchard is to be people who are ‘receiving and reflecting God’s transforming power’.

The solar panels will save us a lot of money and are going to be really helpful to us. We are the people of God and as we receive and reflect God’s power we can be a blessing to those around us.

Let’s ask God to fill us with his presence now and then we can ask him to help us to share his presence with someone today.

Think about the situations you will be in and the people who you will be with and pray for them. Listen to God for his guidance and you may be surprised as something comes to mind to pray for or to say to someone.

Jesus is the light and we are the light! Let’s keep on receiving and reflecting God’s transforming power.