In 1851 French physicist Léon Foucault devised a remarkable way to demonstrate the rotation of the earth. From the high dome of the Panthéon in Paris, he suspended a massive brass pendulum. As the pendulum swung back and forth, its path appeared gradually to change across the floor. In reality, the pendulum’s plane of motion remained nearly constant while the earth itself turned beneath it. What looked like a simple swinging weight provided visible evidence of a far greater movement that could not otherwise be seen.
There is also an unseen power at work in the life of every believer. It is not merely our willpower, character, determination, or commitment that enables us to accomplish anything of lasting spiritual value. It is the power of God working in us. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).
Knowing that God is the source of our power keeps pride from forming in our hearts when we do accomplish things for Him. It keeps fear from preventing us from attempting what He has called us to do. And it gives us confidence to step out in faith, trusting that what God calls us to do, He is able to empower us to accomplish.
