Week 8 February Theme: Abide

Verse of the week:
2co 12:9.     But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may REST (abide or dwell) on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I have read these verses many times and have never known that the word ‘REST’ actually should be translated ‘abide’ or ‘dwell.’ I noticed it in my Amplified Bible the other day. I decided to check out the original Greek and sure enough ‘episkēnóō’ means: to fix a tent, tabernacle or dwelling on.  

It is only used in this verse. Why is it translated rest? I understand rest can mean to spend time with, but it sure has more punch when I think of Christ’s Power dwelling inside me. 

I mean, it’s one thing to think of His Power resting on me like a bird on my shoulder but it’s another thing to realize that His Power dwells or remains inside of me. 

The key to this dwelling power is that I need to make room for it. Acknowledging my weakness, mentally, emotionally or physically, gives God room to move in, so He can be the Strength and Power that I need. If I can do something all by myself, God doesn’t have to, but I happen to know that He can do ‘whatever’ better. 

So I glory in my weakness so that I can receive what my Father has promised and be clothed with power from on high. Then, as I receive power as the Holy Spirit dwells in me, I will be His witness in Salem, in all the county and state, and to the ends of the earth. (Lk 24:49, Acts 1:8)