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Manifesting God’s Glory: A Choice Between Power and Passivity

 







The Bible teaches that believers are the salt of the earth—a vital force meant to preserve, influence, and illuminate the world. Jesus warns in Matthew 5:13:

  • "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."

This verse presents a sobering reality: believers have a choice to either remain effective and impactful or become ineffective and trampled upon. This principle is reinforced throughout Scripture, where we see those who boldly displayed God’s power and those who hid away in fear or compromise.

Let’s explore examples of those who manifested God’s power versus those who remained passive, and the implications of both choices.

1. Elijah vs. The Hidden Prophets (1 Kings 18:1-39)

Elijah: A Man of Power

In the time of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, Elijah stood boldly for God. He was outnumbered, persecuted, and hunted, yet he displayed God’s power in extraordinary ways:

  • He stopped the rain for three and a half years (1 Kings 17:1).
  • He called down fire from heaven on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:36-38).
  • He outran King Ahab’s chariot (1 Kings 18:46).
  • He brought rain back through fervent prayer (1 Kings 18:41-45).

Elijah chose boldness, faith, and action, demonstrating the supernatural power of God.

The Hidden Prophets: Safe but Silent

Meanwhile, Obadiah hid 100 prophets in caves for fear of Jezebel (1 Kings 18:3-4). While their survival was important, they did not step out to display God's power. Instead, it was Elijah—one man—who stood before the people and proved that the Lord is God.

Lesson:

Believers today must decide:

  • Will you be like Elijah, standing boldly in faith, displaying God’s power?
  • Or will you remain hidden, afraid to step into your divine calling?

Reflection Question:

  • In what ways am I stepping out in faith like Elijah?
  • Are there areas in my life where I am hiding my faith instead of displaying God’s power?

2. Joshua & Caleb vs. The Ten Spies (Numbers 13-14)

Joshua & Caleb: Choosing Faith

When Moses sent 12 spies to explore the Promised Land, only Joshua and Caleb believed they could conquer it, declaring:

  • “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” (Numbers 13:30)

Because of their faith and courage, God honored them, and they were the only ones from their generation allowed to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:30).

The Ten Spies: Choosing Fear

The other ten spies spread fear, saying:

  • “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” (Numbers 13:33)

Their fear infected the entire nation, causing them to rebel against God. As a result, that generation perished in the wilderness instead of stepping into God’s promise.

Lesson:

Believers can either choose faith and take hold of God’s promises or succumb to fear and miss out on His plans.

Reflection Question:

  • Am I looking at my challenges with faith like Joshua and Caleb or fear like the ten spies?
  • What promises of God am I failing to step into because of fear?

3. David vs. King Saul & Israel’s Army (1 Samuel 17)

David: Stepping into God’s Power

When Goliath threatened Israel, David—a young shepherd—chose to trust in God’s power. He boldly declared:

  • “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37)

With just a sling and five stones, David defeated Goliath, demonstrating the power of faith over fear.

Saul & Israel’s Army: Paralyzed by Fear

Meanwhile, King Saul and the entire Israelite army stood paralyzed in fear for 40 days. Though they had weapons, training, and numbers, they lacked faith and did nothing.

Lesson:

God is looking for believers like David who trust in Him even when the odds seem impossible.

Reflection Question:

  • Am I stepping forward in faith like David, or am I hesitating like Saul and his army?
  • What “Goliaths” in my life am I avoiding instead of confronting with God’s power?

4. The Early Disciples vs. The Hiding Disciples (Acts 1-2)

The Early Disciples: Boldly Walking in Power

After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples waited in prayer as Jesus commanded. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit filled them, and they:

  • Spoke in tongues (Acts 2:4).
  • Preached boldly to thousands (Acts 2:14-41).
  • Healed the sick and performed miracles (Acts 3:1-10).
  • Cast out demons and changed cities (Acts 8:5-8).

They embraced the power of the Holy Spirit and turned the world upside down.

The Hiding Disciples Before Pentecost

Before Pentecost, the same disciples were fearful and hiding after Jesus' crucifixion:

  • “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders...” (John 20:19)

They were afraid to proclaim Jesus, but once they received the Holy Spirit, they became fearless world changers.

Lesson:

The Holy Spirit transforms fearful believers into bold witnesses. Walking in God's power requires stepping out in faith, prayer, and obedience.

Reflection Question:

  • Am I walking in Holy Spirit boldness, or am I still hiding in fear?
  • How can I seek the Holy Spirit’s power in my life?

5. Jesus: The Ultimate Example

Jesus never hid, never compromised, and never backed down. He:

  • Healed the sick (Matthew 8:16).
  • Raised the dead (John 11:43-44).
  • Confronted religious hypocrisy (Matthew 23).
  • Walked in absolute obedience to the Father (John 5:19).

He is the standard for how believers should live.

Lesson:

If Jesus displayed God’s power daily, so should His followers.

Reflection Question:

  • Am I modeling my life after Jesus in faith, boldness, and power?
  • What steps do I need to take to walk as He walked?

Final Call: You Have a Choice

Every believer must choose their path:

  1. Be like Elijah, Joshua, David, and the early disciples—bold, faith-filled, and walking in power.
  2. Or be like the hiding prophets, ten spies, Saul’s army, and fearful disciples—hesitant, passive, and ineffective.

What Makes the Difference?

  • Faith in God’s power
  • Boldness to step out
  • A lifestyle of prayer
  • A pursuit of intimacy with the Holy Spirit

The choice is clear: walk in the power of God, or remain ineffective.

Final Prayer

“Lord, I refuse to be passive. Fill me with Your boldness and power. Let me be like Elijah, Joshua, and David—standing firm, displaying Your glory, and walking in faith. Holy Spirit, empower me to live fully for You, and may my life be a reflection of Jesus. Amen.”

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