“He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 NKJ).
Someone once asked me why a football never gets deflated in a game. Twenty-two huge, burly men kick it, throw it, pounce on it, fumble it – yet it never gets “squashed” or loses its size to deflation.
The answer is a simple law of physics. It seems that the internal pressure of the ball is much greater than all the pressure 22 men can place upon it externally.
This verse says the same thing about the Christians. The power of the Holy Spirit residing in our hearts and lives is greater than all the pressure the external world can place upon us.
You could list all the different opponents who come against you to impede or block your forward progress. Satan’s strategy is to deflate you and render you inoperative, but the Holy Ghost gives you buoyancy. You can roll with the punches. It may seem sometimes that you are being tossed around by circumstances, but with the Lord’s power within, you will always bounce back.
This verse is a great comfort to many people who are not having it very easy in life. It is a constant reminder of God’s sustaining grace, Christ’s resident peace, and the Holy Spirit’s indwelling power. Greater is the power within us than the pressure upon us. So hang in there, teammate; despite the hard hits, we’re winning!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.