Dunamis

I think those who believe in a transcendent God can probably agree that He is omnipresent. Even in the black “vacuum” of outer space, God’s power (“dunamis” in the original Greek) permeates all space and time. And if this is true, then we must conclude that His ability to heal, to speak to our minds and spirits, to execute any miracle he chooses – whether or not it has a physical manifestation, and whether or not others actually believe that He can or will heal, speak, or do miracles – is universally present.

What this means for Christ followers is that all this power and authority are not something we must search for and find, trying to acquire it as if it were some physical possession. It’s right here in front of us, permeating our very bodies, minds and spirits right where we are. So why, then, do we not experience it more often? What is the key to unlock that universe-creating, disease-healing, life-changing dunamis? Volumes have been written about this topic, but we who follow Jesus and know we ought to be experiencing more of His power still don’t – at least not as much as we’d like.

Perhaps we must first admit that the power actually exists. Large segments of Christendom still don’t believe miracle-working power is for today’s Church, but this is simple ignorance. Medically documented miracles are commonplace. Changed lives are commonplace. But in the admission there is also a responsibility. And responsibility has become an unpopular word in today’s society. Life in the West today is more about what makes me feel good, what relieves pain from my life, what fills my time with excitement, and/or what simply makes life easier. Responsibility messes all that up.

Also, if I admit that this kind of dunamis is available to me today, and that God expects me to use it, then I might have to actually work at it. I don’t see the power in my life now, so I must study and work for the answer to “Why not?”, and that requires time and energy, the last thing I have available after working all day, taking care of the kids at night, mowing the lawn, going to parties, watching football, and doing all the other thousand “necessary” things in my life. It takes work. Perhaps that’s the problem.

In America’s fast food society, the idea of process has become foreign. Warren Buffet, one of the richest men in the world, advises to build wealth slowly and steadily, and don’t rely on get rich quick schemes. That’s also good advice for spiritual growth. The power to use science and quantum physics to literally change the matter inside a person’s diseased body, or to change brain waves or chemical imbalances, or to simply encourage a darkened countenance, are ours, they are here now, they are meant to be used to help others and show them God’s love. But it takes practice. And trust. And faith. And belief.

Step out. Do it today. In my experience, most of the time the step of faith precedes the provision. Step out and see just what this power – lurking right there under your nose – can actually do. I dare you.