God’s Presence and God’s Power

Pastor Mark A. Evans

Jonahville AME Zion

How do we live and not acknowledge either God’s Presence or God’s Power? One without the other is incomplete. God’s Presence assures us that we are never alone, and God’s Power reminds us that we have authority through Christ to overcome every attack, disruption, and deception.

Every morning when you awake, that is God’s Power at work in your body, He breathed life into you once again. Every moment you sense His nearness, that is God’s Presence wrapping you in love and grace.

The Apostle Paul knew both well. Before the miracle in the jail cell, Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison unjustly (Acts 16:22–24). Yet even in pain, they prayed and sang hymns, and the very foundations of the prison shook until the doors flew open (Acts 16:25–26). Sometimes, beloved, you have to be beaten to save them. Through their suffering, not only were they freed, but the jailer and his entire household came to salvation (Acts 16:30–34).

And remember the young girl in Acts 16:16–18, tormented by a spirit of divination. Paul, in the authority given by Jesus Christ, commanded the demon to leave her. That same power is available to us.

We must stop entertaining the enemy’s schemes, his attacks, disruptions, and deceptions. Instead, we must stand firm, clothed in the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11), and walk daily in the awareness of His Presence and Power.

Daily Practice:

1. When you wake up, give thanks – “This is God’s Power giving me life.”

2. Invite His Presence – Whisper a prayer, “Lord, walk with me today.”

3. Take authority – Speak boldly: “No weapon formed against me shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17).

Let us acknowledge both His Presence and His Power, and trust that even in our suffering, God is using us as instruments to bring salvation to others.