This Surpassing Power

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." 2 Corinthians 4:7

When the group of one hundred and twenty disciples gathered in the upper room, the Holy Spirit of God descended upon them in the first century with extraordinary power. This divine power manifested itself in three remarkable ways:

• A sound from heaven like the rushing of a mighty wind
• Tongues as of fire appearing and resting upon them
• All of them being filled with the Holy Spirit and beginning to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them

This event was the fulfillment of Christ’s prophetic promise recorded in Acts 1:8:

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

The power of the Holy Spirit came upon Christ’s disciples as this all-surpassing power. From the first century onward, this divine power has continued to work through God’s people. The Apostle Paul further explains the greatness of this power in his Epistle to the Ephesians:

"I pray that you may know the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe." Ephesians 1:19

God has appointed us in this generation to understand and experience the immeasurable greatness of His power as we engage in His service.

The Power of God for Ministry

For the servants of God who have labored faithfully for many years in the regions of North India, there are numerous challenges and difficulties. Yet, in the presence of God, there is an answer and a solution for every situation.

When Jesus initially sent His apostles to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, they were entrusted with specific authority and assignments empowered by the Holy Spirit.

1. Authority Over Evil Spirits and Diseases

"And He called to Him His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction." Matthew 10:1

2. Authority to Preach the Kingdom

"He appointed twelve that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach." Mark 3:14

This authority enabled the disciples to participate in Christ’s earthly ministry and proclaim the message of the Kingdom alongside Him.

However, beginning with the Book of Acts, we see a much greater manifestation of divine power operating through Peter, James, John, and the other apostles as they bore witness to the gospel.

Ordinary Men Empowered by an Extraordinary God

"When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

The remarkable characteristic of Peter and John was not their education, social status, or worldly influence. They were considered ordinary men.

Society viewed them as common people without prestige, influence, or human support. Their only source of strength was the Holy Spirit. They trusted in this all-surpassing power of God. Yet the people recognized one undeniable fact:

They had been with Jesus.

May the same testimony be true of God’s servants ministering today across various states and regions. Though they face opposition, hardship, and limitations, may people recognize that they belong to Christ and have been commissioned by Him.

Faithfulness in the Lord’s Work

This is a season in which those who labor tirelessly for the Kingdom of God are being tested and proven. As the Apostle Paul exhorted:

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

As we recognize the divine calling entrusted to us and move forward faithfully in the work of the Lord, we can believe that God is opening new doors and new opportunities for His people in 2026.

Our Sufficiency Comes from God

There are times when the world labels us as insignificant, incapable, or unqualified. Yet for a servant of God who has fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit, there is no reason for discouragement.

The God who worked in the desert road to Gaza, among the idol-filled streets of Athens, among the disciples in Ephesus, and within the prison at Philippi is still able to use His servants today.

The same God who empowered Philip, Paul, Silas, and the early Church remains sufficient for every challenge we face.

Therefore, we must clearly understand that this all-surpassing power is not our own achievement or ability. It is entirely a gift from God. The treasure has been placed in fragile earthen vessels so that the glory may belong to God alone.

The Mark of Those Who Possess This Power

One of the greatest characteristics of those who have received this divine power is their perseverance in suffering. Paul describes them as those who are:

• Afflicted, yet not crushed
• Perplexed, yet not driven to despair
• Persecuted, yet not abandoned
• Struck down, yet not destroyed

They continue to endure because the power sustaining them is not human strength but the power of God. The glory of the gospel of Jesus Christ is not demonstrated merely through words but through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit working in and through God’s people. As we witness this reality, let us give all glory and honor to God, who has chosen to display His infinite power through humble vessels for the advancement of His Kingdom. May this treasure entrusted to us become a blessing to many, and may the all-surpassing power of God continue to be revealed through our lives and ministries for His glory alone.