He gives us everything we need for life and for holy living. He gives it through His great power. 

~2 Peter 1:3 NLV

Almost every tech object needs plugging in and recharging at the most inconvenient times. Yet, we, too, need to stay plugged into the power source.

My husband and I traveled to Wisconsin to attend a Green Bay Packers game. While there, we visited a town with plentiful bike trails. We had one problem, though. My husband regularly goes on long-distance bike rides, while I’m more of a hobbyist. The solution? I rented an e-bike. (For the record, my husband thinks they’re cheater bikes.) On an e-bike, I could enjoy the ride, get some exercise, and keep up with my husband. The bike is easier to ride because it’s powered by an electrical source. But without charging, well, it’s powerless.

Similarly, we’re powerless without the Holy Spirit. I can do many things without God’s help, but those works are worthless in His eyes. Only the things I do in His power and strength will remain.

The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.

~John 15:5 CSB

Jesus uses this agrarian example to clarify His point. Apart from Christ, we have no power and will produce no fruit. Just as an e-bike needs frequent charging, we, too, need to stay connected to the power source daily. Filling with His strength, patience, or whatever we need takes time. A daily abiding in Christ fills us with everything we need to live a godly life.

We can only live a godly life by spending time with Christ. As we pour out our hurts to Him, meditate on His word, and lean in and listen to Him, we abide. Our tired bodies strengthen, our worries fade, and peace reigns. Clarity instead of chaos rules our minds.

However, we can’t take the comparison of the e-bike too far. The e-bike makes hills and long distances easier. But we know God doesn’t guarantee a pain-free life or a microwavable fix-it. Instead, Jesus said we would have trouble in this world (John 16:33). But when life’s trials hit, this abiding takes us from a self-powered to a Holy Spirit-powered life.

The e-bike’s power source provided the endurance I needed for the long ride and steep hills. Christ in us, our power source, provides the energy to make it through the weighty season.

It’s a daily process, this remaining. But when we stay plugged in and charged, our God will provide us with whatever we need to make it through the day.

Spend time daily with Jesus, our great power source.

Father, I confess I don’t always remember to spend time and be empowered by You. Fill me today with what I need to live a holy life for You.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: Plugged into the Power Source: Sally Cressman: All Rights Reserved