The Power of Love

In 1985, the movie Back to the Future featured a song by Huey Lewis and the News called "Power of Love." The chorus of this song delivers a powerful message - secular music or not. I guess what speaks to me the most is that I can see God's hand everywhere, not just in gospel or Christian music. Sometimes the smallest things shout out God is ALIVE! (written 13 Feb 2008)

The first verse of this song says "The power of love is a curious thing. Make a one man weep, make another one sing. Change a heart to a little white dove. More than a feeling, that's the power of love." Think about that for a moment. How can such an emotion cause such a profound change? Look at the chorus, and say the words. "It don't need money, don't take fame, don't need no credit card to ride this train. It's strong and it's sudden and it's cruel sometimes, but it might just save your life, that's the power of love, that's the power of love." Speaking of power - visualize the power spoken of! Think of the love of God and its effect on your life once you have chosen to walk with Him - it might just save your life - no might about it ... it WILL save your life!

If you break down the chorus, think of the true statements that it makes: God asks us for no money, He does not ask that we be famous. We are each His creation, and were made by Him for His particular purpose. To God, we are each famous for what He made us to be! You don't have to have a hefty bank account nor an open-ended credit line to ride God's salvation train - this powerful gift is yours free simply for the asking. Imagine those rewards, all yours, just by asking! The only part of the chorus that I might take issue with is the phrase "it's cruel sometimes." I don't see God's love as ever being cruel. Our interpretation of certain events in our lives, even in God's presence, may feel that way at times, but we have to stop and remember and look at the big picture. Let me see if a side note will clarify: as a parent, the most horrifying thing I can imagine is losing one of my children. How would I survive such a thing? I am under no illusion that it would be an easy task, but I would put my trust in God and maintain my faith that He made that decision for a reason that I might not need to know right away. IT WOULD NOT BE EASY, NOR WOULD IT BE PAINLESS!! I can imagine nothing that would hurt more on a long-lasting and visceral level. Having spoken to parents that have lost children, those who have maintained their faith all tell me the same thing: when they realized the gift that they were given by being allowed to be the parent of their child, even if only for a short time, it made the loss somewhat easier to bear. I did not say pain-free, but it gave them a perspective of hope.

Overall, today's realization is this: God's power is everywhere, and in everything. Listen to what He says, and how He says it. The answers you seek may be right in front of you. The power of His love is unfailing, and unending. What greater gift can we receive?

God, thank you for the gift of your powerful love. Use me to share that love and your message through every available means. Guide my life so that you shine through in everything that I do.

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'" ~Matthew 22:37 NIV