Power Failure
POWER FAILURE
Read Isaiah 59:1-4.
“Daddy!” wailed Shana. “My flashlight won’t work! I just put in new batteries, but it still doesn’t light.”
“Let me have a look,” replied Dad. He removed the batteries. “I think I see the problem, Shana.” Shana peered more closely at the batteries in Dad’s hand. “Here on the end of one battery—the place where it must contact, or touch—is a piece of clear plastic,” continued Dad. “See? You didn’t peel away all the packaging, and that ruined the contact.”
Dad removed the plastic and wiped the contact points clean. Then he replaced the batteries in their proper position. “Now try it,” he said, handing the flashlight to Shana. She flicked the switch, and the light shone brightly. Shana smiled happily as she thanked Dad for fixing the flashlight.
“You know, Shana,” said Dad, “your flashlight is going to make a good illustration for the church school lesson I’m teaching this week. Just as that piece of plastic came between the batteries and stopped their power, sin in our lives comes between us and God’s power to work in us. It ruins our fellowship with God. When His power is cut off, we can’t shine for Him.”
Shana nodded. “Sin and plastic can sure cause big power failures, can’t they?”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you shining brightly for Jesus every day? Or is there sin in your life that hinders God’s power? Such things as lying, cheating, swearing, stealing, gossip, jealousy, selfishness, and disobedience are sins that spoil your fellowship with God. Confess your sin to Him, and let God’s power light up your life. Be sure there’s no sin between you and the Lord.
TO MEMORIZE:
It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.
Isaiah 59:2
SHINE TODAY FOR JESUS.
From the book
