Mighty Within Us

by Luke Shin, Middle School Co-coordinator

As we continue our first week of Advent and talk about our Mighty God, I am reminded of how He has worked and continues to work in and through me. There have been countless times this year when God gave me the energy, power, and wisdom to accomplish what I needed to do.

This has been a full and busy year for me. There were lots of events happening at First Prez, our middle school was fully back in person, and I also went back to school. Out of all the projects I was involved with, the one that really showcased God’s mighty power was the HIM Youth Conference in March. 

Pastor Tim Shaw and I were tasked to take charge of the conference youth camp at our Ko’olau campus. We had a week to set up, plan games and activities, and find all our volunteers to make the camp a fun weekend for all the youth campers, including those coming from the neighbor islands. Not only that, but I also had to make sure our First Prez youth group was taken care of and that I was with them.

It was one of the most challenging weeks, and I don’t know how I made it through. All I know is that God’s mighty power sustained me. Even though it was a hard weekend, His power allowed me to experience the goodness He was doing in our youth group. Many kids responded to Him and stood up for prayer. And I am happy that even though I was exhausted, God still gave me the energy to pray for some of the youth.

I close with this passage from Ephesians 3:20-21 and make it my prayer for us today:

Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May He be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen.

Reflection:

• Were there times this year when God’s mighty power was working within you? Praise Him for those times.

• How has God’s mighty power been working in you this season?