With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith (2 Thessalonians 1:11).
My favorite movie of all time is Black Panther. I saw the movie three times on opening weekend. I went alone, with some sisters in Christ and another group of friends. I felt inspired by the kingliness and humility of King T’Challa. I enjoyed the action-packed heroics of the Black Panther to save his people and, ultimately, the world. I felt empowered.
Yes, I know that neither King T’Challa nor the Black Panther exists in real life. They are a symbol of the type of leader that I want to follow. King T’Challa and his people fought behind the scenes. The remaining humans were oblivious to the battle that raged unseen around them. I realized that the battle King T’Challa waged in the shadows is like our Christian life.
As I contemplated the Black Panther movie, I wondered what powers I have as a Christian. I came up with several powers.
1. When I am distressed and cry out, I have a King who fights for me like King T’Challa fought for his people (Psalm 34:17 ESV). 2. I can access the King of Kings’ army like a character (Dora Milaje) in the movie who sought King T’Challa’s protection. In Psalm 91:11 (ESV), the Bible says, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways . . .they will bear you up lest you strike your foot against a stone.” 3. I have my cheering squad. Hebrews 12:1 (ESV) tells us, “. . .since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight . . . let us run with endurance the race that is set before us . . .” 4. As I read God’s word and keep those precepts, I increase in knowledge through my teachers and elders (Psalm 119:99-100 ESV). 5. I have a Helper, the Holy Spirit, who teaches me all things and brings to my memory all He has said (John 14:26 ESV). 6. I have the power of prayer. James 5:16 (ESV) tells us that the prayer of the righteous person has great power. As I pray in faith, believing, God shows up in every situation. 7. Finally, I can come boldly into God’s throne of grace to receive mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16).
When we find ourselves in a tight spot, remember the scripture in 2 Thessalonians 1:11, which tells us–"With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith." In other words, we have a superhero who fights for us like King T’Challa fought for Wakanda–We have King Jesus.
Prayer: Father God, when I feel weak, remind me of all the power that I have in You. Let me come boldly into Your throne to seek grace. Remind me that I have a Helper in the Holy Spirit who teaches me everything. Let me meditate on Your Word for understanding. Let me sense the great cloud of witnesses cheering me on. Amen
Your Turn: What power or powers have you discovered that you have in Christ Jesus?
This is great!! A power that I have discovered in Christ is discernment. There are so many counterfeits in our society today and it takes the spirit of God to have the ability to distinguish between the counterfeit and the real thing.
Being able to impact someone else's life in a positive ways is exactly what God tries to teach us. Not only are we impacting someone else's life, but they, in turn, may pay it forward. Not all superheroes wear capes.