Empowerment by God refers to the divine enablement and strengthening of individuals to fulfill His purposes and commands. This empowerment is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, where God equips His people with the necessary abilities, wisdom, and courage to accomplish tasks that align with His will.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, empowerment by God is often seen in the lives of leaders, prophets, and judges. One notable example is Moses, who, despite his initial reluctance and self-doubt, was empowered by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. God assured Moses of His presence, saying, "I will certainly be with you" (Exodus 3:12). This divine assurance and empowerment enabled Moses to confront Pharaoh and perform miraculous signs.

Similarly, Gideon was empowered by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Initially, Gideon doubted his ability, but the angel of the LORD declared, "The LORD is with you, O mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). God’s Spirit came upon Gideon, empowering him to lead a small army to victory against overwhelming odds.

New Testament Examples

In the New Testament, the empowerment of believers is closely associated with the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This empowerment was evident at Pentecost when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in various tongues, boldly proclaiming the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of empowerment through Christ and the Holy Spirit. In Philippians 4:13, he writes, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" . Paul attributes his ability to endure hardships and fulfill his ministry to the empowering presence of Christ.

Spiritual Gifts and Empowerment

Empowerment by God is also manifested through spiritual gifts given to believers for the edification of the Church. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul explains that the Holy Spirit distributes various gifts to believers, such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and prophecy. These gifts are given "for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7) and enable believers to serve one another and advance God’s kingdom.

Empowerment for Daily Living

Beyond specific tasks and ministries, God empowers believers for daily living and spiritual growth. In Ephesians 3:16, Paul prays that believers "may be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being" . This inner empowerment helps Christians to live out their faith, resist temptation, and grow in holiness.

Conclusion

Empowerment by God is a vital aspect of the Christian life, enabling believers to fulfill their God-given purposes. Through His presence, the Holy Spirit, and spiritual gifts, God equips His people to serve Him effectively and live victoriously.