Summertime and the living is easy? Not at the Higgs house. Maybe not at your house either. We’re waking up earlier, staying up later, and trying to squeeze in one. more. thing.
When our get-go is gone, beloved, it’s a different kind of power outage, but it can be just as crippling.
Without electricity, all our switches and gadgets are useless. Without the Holy Spirit, all our works and efforts are fruitless.
But with His power? The possibilities are endless, even miraculous.
In the time of Jesus’s ministry on earth, “the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all” (Luke 6:19).
Wow. The Greek word for power, might, and strength—dýnamis—gives us our word dynamite. Boom.
His kind of power is real, palpable. When the Lord healed the bleeding woman, “at once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him” (Mark 5:30).
Power went out from Him. Like a jolt of electricity, like a bolt of lightning. Strong enough to change a life. Mighty enough to challenge death. “By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also” (1 Corinthians 6:14). Boom.
Now comes the astounding rest of the story: This same holy power can flow through us. “The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people” (Psalm 68:35).
He gives His power, freely, generously. As one online sister said, “With all that I’ve been through, His power and love have been amazing.”
His might, His power—in Hebrew, His taatsumah—is available to us. When we’re exhausted, discouraged, overwhelmed (my hand is up), it’s because we’re trying to do, do, do on our own steam, instead of depending on God’s power.
So, what might it look like in real life if we went for it and asked God to boom through us? It could mean stopping to pray before making an important phone call, asking God to give us the right words to say. Then, on the phone, really listening to the other person, waiting for God’s prompting before we respond, “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).
When we hang up, amazed, we need to remember where that power came from and give Him credit for it. As His Word reminds us, “we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).
Boom.
Lord Jesus, we’ve read about Your power in Your Word. Now help us experience Your power in our lives. May Your strength, Your energy flow from You through us, accomplishing Your will, resulting in Your glory. What an honor it is to be a conduit for Your mighty power and love on this earth!
How might this reminder of God’s infinite power change what you’re doing today? Take a second to share your thoughts below. Your words are a blessing and encouragement to all of us!
Your grateful sister, Liz
@LizCurtisHiggs
P.S. Congrats to our 10 sisters who won a copy of It’s Good to Be Queen and a lovely serving dish from DaySpring! We have one more week in our series, He Is Worthy of Our Praise. I’ve LOVED opening God’s Word and studying His glorious attributes with you this year!
On Wednesday, August 19, we’ll dive in to a new 10-week study on the Queen of Sheba, as together we journey across the Arabian Desert and through the pages of It’s Good to Be Queen: Becoming as Bold, Gracious, and Wise as the Queen of Sheba. Get your copy now and you’ll be all set. Also on Wednesday, August 19, I’ll be chatting with you via Livestream at 12noon ET on my website, LizCurtisHiggs.com. Maybe have lunch with me? morning coffee? second breakfast? Can’t wait!
Thanks for the reminder to rely on our Lord and Savior. Today I’m feeling tired and down with all that is going on in life. Then I open this email and am reminded that I’m not in this alone. PRAISE THE LORD ABOVE. I am giving my troubles and worries to him and I know he will show me how to navigate through what comes next.
You message in “Boom” couldn’t have come at a better time. Isn’t God’s timing wonderful? My mother is in a nursing home with dementia and diabetes, my father is literally melting away in front of me because he can’t stay with her, so he goes everyday to sit with her and be with her. We are having some financial difficulties due to her health and our own attempt to take care of everyone and everything on wages that haven’t risen in years. I have been trying and trying to do everything on my own. Figuring how to pay for one bill while letting another slide. All it has done is left us without savings and without a way to catch up on what we have put off. You reminded me that I am not in control. There is a higher power that I must go to, ask forgiveness and whose Word I must follow. I have to let go and let God, as the saying goes. Thank you for your timely message. You are a blessing.
Your message Boom was timely indeed! This is an excellent reminder Liz even when we are trying to ‘do’ all the right things we need His power to Boom in us! God’s timing is PERFECT!
Gods power is infinite and for all who open hearts
to His great Forever Love
As a music teacher, beginning the school year and opening two classrooms, attending two sets of faculty meetings as well as system-wide music meetings all while trying to maintain a semblance of order in my home is overwhelming to say the least! Thanks for the reminder that my strength comes from my Savior not my self. (Like the alliteration?) Love to you, my sister!
Today is the first time I have received an email from you, Liz. I joined recently. It has come at a crisis time. I remain amazed at the way God works through other people to encourage and uplift me. Your words have been that “Boom” for me this morning. I’ve been thinking about some difficulties lately and praying, and one by one some sweet person comes along and leaves me words of wisdom and over night, almost, it seems the difficulty is over or I know the answer today that I did not know yesterday. The Holy Spirit at work!
Your words “His power is real, is palpable” really resonate with me this morning. I have been growing weary in ministry and needed a reminder of the hard to wrap my mind around real power of God. So easy to slip into doing things in my own power. He is looking for so much more evidence of His BOOM in my life and work. Simple words of His truth inspire me today to dig into writing and teaching prep I need to do This Day. Thank you!
In 2 Samuel 22:33 and Psalm 18:32 David says, “It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way secure.” He is our strength. I rely on Him completely because my strength has always been insufficient.
Having God work in me is like having a thousand pound weight thrown off of me. It’s the realization that everything depends on Him and not me.
Wow! This was great! I couldn’t live without the Holy Spirit directing my path. I love when He speaks to me and prompts me to help Him reach out to others. I have learned through the years to listen to His voice and be directed to minister for Him. BOOM! That’s right! You go Liz!
Liz – Keep them coming, since May I have read and re-read your devotionals, they are always right on! I have a grandson in boot camp and wants letters (this all the Army allows) no packages, books, other then the Bible. He longs for Sunday to worship and praise God. I’ve been sending him your devotionals. They are always in easy form and have wonderful verses to look up! They have really strengthen his walk and faith in God, the one that is ALL Powerful and so deserving of ALL our praise! Thank you
For the past 7 months I was not expected to survive. For the first 5 months I was so weak I did good to feed myself, brush my teeth, & occasionally have the strength to shower. I’m still as weak as a kitten but I’m strong compared to then. God has been here with me every moment of every day. I literally did not have the strength to do anything on my own. Even breathing required more strength than I had at times. God gave me the strength I needed for each moment. I had to completely rely on Him for everything. But He was faithful. My motivation was surprisingly not for me though I’m not yet even 50, which in my opinion makes me downright young. My motivation came.from the love I have for my husband, children, grandchildren, and the rest of my family. I couldn’t stand the thought of the pain I knew they’d feel. I prayed a Lot. Always wanting God’s will over all, but deep down hoping to spare my loved ones. Now, I strive to regain strength and hopefully one day health so I can be here for them. And for God. I can’t leave my house except to go to the doctor. I’m just praying for everyone and everything I know to, but somehow God has used Me to bless others! That really takes me back because I never really tried to do anything, but apparently in what I share or reply or whatever I have blessed others. I’ve always been one to be ridiculously Private and not share but I’ve opened up (a little ) more than I ever have and God has used that tiny bit to be a blessing to someone else. He’s shown me that “I” really can do Nothing without Him. I’m learning to look to Him for absolutely everything. Proverbs 3 : 5-6 ” Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. “
Well said! What ever power, talents, abilities, that we possess they all come from our Heavenly Father who we need to give the praise and the glory and honor to. Without Him we are nothing! He alone is our everything! He is the Alpha and the Omega. He created Heaven and Earth. He is so worthy of our praises! be it through song, dance, word, etc. It is only when the Holy Spirit reigns in our lives that we can truly be the children that God has called us to be.
Now, every time I hear a BOOM, I will think of this message. 🙂 I am so thankful for God’s power and God’s provisions. He is amazing!
This past few years there has been such weariness with all the varied demands of family, friends, community. The LORD has truly enabled so that I am here today. “HE keeps on giving life to me.” This summer, I have given myself a time of retreat, refreshment, renewal — time with GOD through HIS word and HIS people [the internet is amazing]. The Holy Spirit has brought healing — “the BOOM is back”! Thank you, Liz, for being one of this summer’s care-givers.
talk about BOOM! What about this:
I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 1:19-20
Liz,
Your devotional came a just the right time for me! It’s been such a busy summer for us! My dear husband is on dialysis and I’m his caretaker. After 3 years of retirement, I’m going back to teaching in September. ?. Today my son is going to marry his beautiful bride and we are so truly happy and blessed to be gaining another daughter!!! ( I always wanted 8 children, now that my 4 are married, God granted my wish!!)
When I think about how I got through all these things, it as ONLY through God’s amazing power!
Your devotion couldn’t have come at a better time. I had to read it twice to get the total effect. It really touched my heart. I have spent a lifetime of doing things my way and on my own. Now I know all I have to do is to pray and I will get help. This is totally amazing. To know that there is power within me and all I have to tap into it. Thank you for sharing.
“Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit, sayeth the Lord.” Zechariah 4:6. God’s Spirit is all the power we need.
Great reminder!
We’re having a lot of thunderstorms here, so this post felt apropos! Linking.
I had a boom moment today. My marriage is not going good right now. I try to do things on my own to try and fix it. I had a couple of pity parties. Then I said why am I trying to fix this? I turned it over to the fixer of everything broken. I am joyful and at peace. We have to remember that He is the only One that can make booms in our life.
Liz, I needed to read this today! I’m a pastor and this summer has been draining! I KNOW the power of the Holy Spirit is always with me! I KNOW I can’t do things on my own! I KNOW that when push comes to shove and the shove is too weak to function, calling on the Name of Jesus and invoking the power of the Holy Spirit is what I need to do. I KNOW it, now – with God’s mercy – I’m reminded to use it to fill me up! Thank you!
Thanks for this powerful reminder of God’s power and might…and how we can be His conduit of this awesome power. I loved this reminder, and it is timely (of course!) as I need to be an encouragement to my brother and my mom in my phone calls to them next. My wonderful brother is battling cancer and not doing well… My 86 year old mom is doing well physically but having memory glitches. I am praying to have some of His power as I connect with them.
Thanks again Liz, for keeping us on the right (positive and encouraging) road with the truth of His Word!
Blessings to you!
I am finding that I receive so much more now that I am truly taking the time to hear what is being said to me, before I think about my response or formulate an opinion. Listening to all the words that are spoken (or shared) then formulating my thoughts,opinions and answers is really helpful to me. It’s only taken me 44 years to figure it out!
We are trying to sell our house and I have done everything the agent has said to the house, but no sale as yet
I read your message today about Gods power then it hit me I cant sell it, its not my power but Gods Power Thank-you
Hi Liz,
I need the BOOM my go has got up and gone.please pray for me. Thank you.
We all know that “timing is everything.”
I recently agreed to plan a large family reunion (150+ people) which will take 2 years to organize. I had no idea how to begin but I knew it was my turn to do this for my husband and his extended family. I was excited about it, but God knew how I was beginning to fret and panic!
In my e-mail box today – right above your “Boom” blog – was a wonderful message from a lady who planned the reunion several years ago, giving me detailed information, a time-line of what needs to be done and when.
What a power boost! And I know Who really sent it!
Thanks Liz for this reminder of the power of God. Most of my weariness comes from me making the plans and trying to fit God in my box. Loved your prayer, it lifted me. I want to be energized by His power and to be in line with His will for my life and to show His glory♥ “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” Proverbs 16:3
It is so awesome to be able to have this power in us. Lord help us continue having and sharing this power with others.
Thanks Liz! I am dealing with chronic migraines again & I could not get through a day without Gods help & strength.
Liz, I must comment on “by His power” as it is a most timely message for me. Thank you for reminding me that I continually try to do, do, do on my own steam instead of depending on God’s power. I enjoy reading your encouraging words. Keep them coming. They are of tremendous help to me and others to whom I forward them to.
I admit I am struggling. I am living with severe chronic lower back and sciatic pain. I have had one back surgery and am probably facing another. I have prayed and
prayed; am taking a narcotic patch and nothin helps. I cry daily with the severe pain but still have to work ?. I am weary; I told the Lord yesterday that I want to die if this horrible pain persists. I need a “Boom!!” Please pray that the Holy Spirit would touch me!!
If you have ever been to a collegiate or high school wrestling match, you may notice the following:
1. The strongest wrestler does not always win–the weaker wrestler on the mat may win because that wrestler has a skill set learned from years of practicing and focus-power
2. “shoot”: to go in and take a chance to bring down the opponent, power
I have watched a young man, who started high wrestling two years ago, learn that power (true power) comes from God. He is still learning that lesson in so many ways and that wrestling is more than just strengths but a level of skill that is needed to outwit and predict the move of the opponent. That person is my son. I have seen him win and lose on the mat wrestling with the best young men in the region. He also wrestles with a learning disability. In some regards, my son learns the best spiritual lessons through his sports (football, wrestling and track and lacrossee) as well as from his learning issues. My husband and I are quiet sports parents. Wrestling for me is a new sport to watch. It is also a powerful sport. It is also a sport of loneliness and your child is on the mat alone with the opponent. Sometimes I see my son as alone in his learning issues struggling and putting in much more time than his peers to finish an essay or read a chapter. I wonder about his future and will he always struggle? Then, I find strength and power in God. I always pray that my son, in life, will always remember his true source of faith, power and strength despite the wins or the losses. As a parent, I have to realize and continue to realize that my strength and faith as a parent comes from God despite the disappointments in life as well as the joys. My son’s learning challenges has caused some heartaches as his journey in life will be diffrent than some of her peers. But, his learning challenges have humbled us to depend on God at such deep level. We wrestled with his challenges and in the end, God gave us the wisdom, power and faith to endure and such will be the process with my son.
If we allowed God’s amazing power to BOOM through us, we’d probably be totally shocked, NO PUN INTENDED. We’d pray bigger prayers, we’d sing amazing praise songs and live stronger lives.
Liz, I was literally learning this same thing this morning from Ephesians 1:17-19! It always amazes me (though I realize it shouldn’t) when God shows you the same thing in so many different places! Thanks for being a willing vessel!
I LOVE your work!!! Our family has Scottish roots, and so when I found your series, I dove in headfirst! What an awesome writer you are – the Lord has blessed and you are returning by blessing others :0) I am hoping to get in on this study, too. I am like a lot of these ladies on here that have people to care for — I have a disabled son and then 4 other “normal” kids! I am looking forward to getting to discuss and have a Bible study time. I have been needing this for SO long!
thanks dear sister for reminding us that we have a mighty God,and He never leaves us and never forsake us;i was having dinner with my sister ,his husband ,my husband and my mother and father,usually they comppòain about everything,criticizing each other,which held everybody at the table to have a very bad time together.so that evening,i was reminded by the Holy Spirit to pray about the dinner and for every body,to have a peaceful spirit and for goodness,everybody could enjoy the evening,experiencing the power and love of our mighty God
BOOM – really hit me too. I am praying and waiting for God to hit me with that BOOM. Since last summer I have been confronted with one surgery following another with myself or my family. Sometimes I am overwhelmed. I lay down these burdens as caretaker for my husband during illness and worry over a child of 59 that had a serious life threatening stroke in December and surgeries and health issues of my own and give them to Jesus, only to pick them right back up again. I have stopped smiling and I need that BOOM to put me back on track. I need my smile to return and let Jesus have those burdens. My Pastor and church are very supportive of the ones that are ill of course, butI know it is ultimately up to me and God for me to get that boom that I so desperately need. I am not feeling it right now.
I get your devotions each week and I thank you for that, I have several of your books and I am going out to get this one. Thank you Liz for your inspiration and encouragement.