A SIP of Power by John Avant

I have been studying the book of Revelation in my devotional life. It was somewhat amazing to read how the Apostle John, who seems to have been Jesus’ best friend, was terrified when he saw Him in all his glory!

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades." Revelation‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭

This was one of the greatest moments in John the Apostle's life, but it began with fear!

I actually believe fear is one of the great opportunities of life! Fear gives us a chance to see that our faith is real and that Jesus will never leave us alone, just as He promised! Fear can also be a pathway for us to meet the Spirit of God, who brings to us His love that casts out our fear!

There’s a lot to be afraid of these days. If you’re dealing with fear right now, I want to encourage you to ask the Lord to transform your fearful place into a powerful place. He may lead you to a physical place like a mountain or a quiet room in your church or any place where you can meet with God until his love is more powerful than your fear.

A few weeks ago, while leading a marriage conference at Ridgecrest conference center I stood in the prayer garden where I met with God in a powerful way 33 years ago. Then it was a time of sickness, anxiety, sin and sadness in my life.   It was in that prayer garden that God met me.  He  revived me, healed me and took me from a place of fear to a place of faith. Standing there a week ago, I felt the same power that had transformed me so many years ago!

You may need that place and experience with Jesus right now. I call these places and moments SIPs.

Sacred

Intimate

Places

These places are not reserved just for apostles writing scripture! God wants to meet you where you are right now, even in the midst of your fears and give you a sip of his power!

Here’s what I wrote about these SIPs almost 20 years ago in my book, Authentic Power:

“These are holy moments when God is more real than the air we breathe. He IS the air we breathe. That moment, that physical or spiritual place, becomes sacred and intimate because God brought you there to love you, to build your faith, to shower you, His child, with Himself. Sacred intimate places of power. Faith-boosters that guard you from ever turning from the resurrection realm to lesser places. Why would anyone want to, when they can wake up every day and know that God will be at work in all they do and that the next SIP of Power is just around the corner?”

Don’t be afraid, sons and daughters of God! On this road, paved with pain and lined with fear, there is a corner up ahead and just around it is the power and presence of God! And that’s all you could possibly need for this week ahead.