You Have What They Had
Learning to Live From the Spirit Within.
Have you ever read the stories of the disciples after Pentecost and thought,
“Wow… where did that kind of boldness come from?”
They healed the sick.
Spoke truth without fear.
Gave generously.
Endured persecution with joy.
And most of all—they lived like Jesus lived.
But if you’re like many of us, you may quietly think,
“That’s beautiful… but not realistic for me.”
Why?
Because we often lower the bar of what’s possible based on what we’ve seen—or haven’t seen..
We let our failures, disappointments, and even the shortcomings of others define what we believe is normal for the Christian life.
But what if we’ve been living with less than what Jesus secured for us?
We Weren’t Meant to Live on That Side of the Cross
It’s easy to identify with the pre-Pentecost disciples—fearful, confused, self-protective.
And while we all have those moments, we’re not called to stay there.
Jesus didn’t die and rise again just so we could be forgiven and survive life.
He came to live His life in us—right here, right now.
“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” – Colossians 3:4
“I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” – Galatians 2:20
Not Stronger—Surrendered
The post-Pentecost disciples weren’t supercharged versions of their old selves.
They were emptied and filled.
Their confidence wasn’t in their performance—it was in Jesus’ presence within them.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3
The more we embrace our poverty of spirit, the more we receive the fullness of His Spirit.
Not working harder, but trusting deeper.
We don’t need to lower our expectations of the life Jesus promised—we need to lift our eyes to what He has already finished.
He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or imagine—not because of our strength, but because of His life at work in us.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…” – Ephesians 3:20
Reflection
Have I lowered my expectations of life in Christ based on what I’ve experienced instead of what He’s promised?
What might I be missing by trying to live for Jesus rather than allowing Him to live through me?
How can I respond to His invitation to trust deeper instead of trying harder?
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for not calling me to live in my strength. Forgive me for settling for less than what You died and rose to give. Teach me to stop measuring what’s possible by what I’ve seen—and instead, trust what You’ve spoken. I surrender my life so that Yours may be seen in me. In Your name, amen.