For many of us our power has gone out. We don’t seem to have the energy to face the demands of life. We don’t seem to have the wisdom to handle the course of life. We don’t seem to have the will power to avoid the temptations of life. We don’t seem to have the hope to face the tragedies of life. We don’t seem to have the resolve to do the right things in life.

The following steps will assist you in turning on the power in your life.

1. Admit that you need God’s power.

A myth has circulated for years stating: God helps those who help themselves. And in our macho age we are prone to believe that statement. But, for taping into God’s power, nothing could be farther from the truth. Here’s the truth: God helps those who realize they need help. We are filled with God’s power by first emptying ourselves of the pretense that we can get by on our own. Until we admit the obvious—that we are ultimately powerless by ourselves—we will be like a car stuck in the mud—the wheels are spinning, a lot of noise can be heard, even the splattering of mud can be felt, but no progress is being made.

2. Affirm God’s presence.

Once we come face-to-face with the reality of our own weakness, then we need to remind ourselves that we follow an all-powerful God who has an uncanny track record of infusing his followers with strength. If you want to share in God’s power, spend time dwelling on how God empowered his people. God empowered Moses in leading the stubborn Jews out of Egypt; strengthened David in his battle with Goliath; undergirded Daniel as he stood for his convictions in the midst of hungry lions; emboldened Peter as he forged the early church; and supported Paul throughout his trials through fire. Recall time after time how God has proven himself to be trustworthy.

3. Align with God’s will.

Sometimes we look for God’s strength for all the wrong reasons. We want God’s power so we can accomplish our agenda. But, God gives his strength so we can accomplish his plan and purposes through our lives. When we’re independently pursing our own agenda, we shouldn’t have the expectation that God will necessarily contribute to it. But when we are in line with his plans and purposes for our lives, God can’t help but to infuse us with his power.

4. Ask for God’s power.

Too often we want God’s intervention in our lives, but we beat around the bush and never ask God for it. The Bible says, “You do not have, because you do not ask God” (James 4:2 NIV). We need to come right out and ask God for his power. God lovingly and willfully wants to give us his strength, if we will but ask.

5. Act out of obedience to God.

Sometimes we do not feel empowered after we have admitted our need, affirmed God’s presence, aligned with God’s will, and asked for God’s power. Then, we take action by obediently proceeding down the road that God wants us to walk, knowing that he will give the power as power is needed. When we walk down the road of obedience toward God even when we are not feeling empowered we are demonstrating faith. Faith is not just believing something. It is belief and behavior. It is believing something and taking action in accordance with what we believe. Faith has been defined as “belief gone courageous.”

There you have it. The way to turn on the power in your life.

Did you know that if we practiced love our relationships would be stronger, our jobs would be more meaningful, and our ailments would be fewer? Earlier this year I wrote an encouraging book on love called Chapter 13: The Excellence of Love. The book gets its title from perhaps the greatest statement ever made on love in 1 Corinthians 13. This book provides a guide to love, and, if practiced, it will make us well and whole. Click here to claim your copy.