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June Yates-Boykin

I arrived at the intersection at the moment the light turned red.  I knew I’d be there a few minutes.  This is a lengthy red for those of us on East Avenue to provide ample time for the heavy Highway 50 traffic.

                   I sat at one of several intersections in our city where roads connecting to the highway have a left turn lane, but those turning right onto the highway and those going straight across share a lane.  Drivers who are not used to such a layout or who are in a hurry can become impatient.  This is especially true when the Highway 50 traffic is light enough to accommodate safe right turns.  If not close enough to cut through the restaurant parking lot adjoining the road, they will often lay on their horns thinking the driver in front of them is neglecting the opportunity to turn right.  My destination was across the highway.

                   For a moment  I was the only one at the signal light, so I had no need to feel bad that I was holding up the traffic behind me.  That’s usually my thinking.  A few times I felt so bad about it that I turned right myself and made a left turn at the next signal which, of course, meant having to circle back toward home.  I have gone five minutes out of my way  just so those behind me wouldn’t have to wait two.  Explain that one to me.

                   No feeling bad on this day.  I noticed in my rear view mirror that several vehicles were coming to a stop behind me.  Two or three cars, a roofing truck, a pizza delivery person, and a deputy sheriff were in plain sight.  How many behind them I do not know.  In my passenger side mirror were blinking right turn signals as far back as I could see.  Could I possibly be the only one in this long line proceeding straight across the highway? 

                   Without thought or planning, I burst into song, “I got the power!  I got the power!” I actually laughed out loud at myself at the same time I repented for feeling that way.   It truly was out of character to the point I shocked my own self.

                   “You do have the power.  That’s what I’m trying to show you.  You have the power to stop the enemy from every direction.”  I heard compassion in Holy Spirit’s voice, “You trust me, but you don’t trust the me in you.” 

                   What?  How could this be?  Self-examination began. In the short few minutes I sat at that signal light I realized that all the authority I exercise over our adversary, the devil, and all of the confidence I feel when initially speak to the mountains in my life often wane if results don’t come quickly.  It is absolutely not a lack of trust in God.  It’s that I start putting too much of myself in the mix.  

                    All my mistakes.  All my weaknesses.  All the time I haven’t spent in prayer and all the times I haven’t fasted. 

                   God taught me that day that the power that dwells in me through Holy Spirit isn’t dependent on my perfection.  It’s only dependent on my relationship with Jesus.  It’s only inhibited by my lack of confidence that he can and will work through me.    

                   I’m certainly not implying that prayer and fasting are not important.  They are.  But that very same power that Jesus gave us authority over comes to frustrate our authoritative role. He reminds us of every flaw and weakness that, according to his lies, prevent the power of God from working through us.

                   From the smallest roadblock to the largest mountain, if you have a relationship with Jesus you also have the power through his name to overcome.  From the smallest decisions to the most important of  conversations, he is leading you and giving you the words to speak. Set him free to manifest himself in you.

                   Let’s go back to the intersection.  The lesson didn’t end there.  The light turned green.  I was free to go.  But for one split second I had another odd thought.  “I still have the power.  I could just sit here even though the light is green and they would still have to wait.”

                   No way I acted on it, but as I was crossing the highway a question rose up in my spirit.  What would have happened if I had just sat there after the light turned green?

                   For starters, I’m sure every horn in that line would have sounded out like an emergency alert warning of an air raid.  Possibly the horns would have drowned out the foul names I would have been called, at least until the angry drivers charged my vehicle.  I’m certain that deputy behind me would have flipped on his blue lights and come strolling up prepared to take me away unless I could prove something wrong with my vehicle.  In no way would any of this have been pleasant. 

                   “You’ve got the power, but never, ever abuse it.  There will be consequences.  Follow my signal.  I’ll let you know when to go, when to slow down, and when to stop altogether and stand still.”  Loud and clear I heard the words.

                   I know and have been exposed to some very powerful people of God.  Some, I’m sad to say, use their giftedness as a means of manipulation and control.  Some are boastful.  To some it’s a business.  For these I fear the consequences.

                   Many, however, walk in the confidence of their anointing, but are not arrogant and never try to portray their power as their own. Their authority is not exercised over people, but over the devil. They allow Holy Spirit in them to shine through to help others and bring glory to God.  When the enemy attacks, they exercise their Jesus given authority over him, knowing who they are in Christ.  It is these people I wish to emulate.

                   That experience at the traffic light was less than a year ago, after years of serving the Lord and being in ministry.  I often hear myself now say, “Trust the God in you.”  Though I am addressing a congregation, I know each time that I’m equally talking to myself.   And today, to you too.  You trust God, now trust the God in you.

Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you. Luke 10:19 AMPC

 
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. John 14:12, NKJV

For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13, AMP

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