At times, you may wonder why your life seems powerless. In Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline, he lists 12 disciplines Christians should practice, including prayer, fasting and Bible study. These disciplines are not to be done legalistically…but in joy, growing in wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit.

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee.Luke 4:14

Jesus did not begin His ministry until He was 30 years of age. In His early years, Jesus sat at His teacher’s feet (Luke 2:46), submitted to His parents (Luke 2:51), and grew in wisdom, stature and favor (Luke 2:52). He spent 40 days praying and fasting in the wilderness, and overcame temptation by understanding the Word of God. Not until then does Scripture say He began to minister in the power of the Spirit.

Jesus says to those who follow Him, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (John 15:4) Commit yourself to the Christian disciplines and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit when He prompts you to reach out. Then pray for people and leaders of this nation to turn to God in fasting, prayer and Bible study.

Recommended Reading: John 15:1-11