Yesterday, we talked about this verse… “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV)

If God has called you to it, he will bring you through it. But, God doesn't give you His power simply so you can get through your own problems in life.

He empowers you so that His love and grace can flow through your life to other people.

When God anoints your life, His goal isn't necessarily to make your life easier (sorry if that’s news to you). He actually wants to use you to make a difference in the lives of others.

Here are two more things to remember about God’s anointing on your life…

4. God anoints you to bless others.

Jesus modeled this perfectly.

Acts 10:38 describes Jesus as being “anointed by God with the Holy Spirit” and then going throughout the country helping people and healing those who were hurting.

God's power in Jesus' life was expressed through love, compassion, service, and action. And He wants to work through us in similar ways.

Maybe God has given you the ability to encourage someone who is discouraged. Maybe you've walked through something difficult that now allows you to comfort someone else. Maybe He's given you wisdom, leadership, compassion, generosity, creativity, or a heart for serving.

Those gifts aren't just for you.

God can use what He's placed in you to bless someone else.

Sometimes being “anointed” looks like sitting beside someone who is hurting. Listening when someone needs to talk. Praying for a friend. Serving when no one notices. Offering encouragement when someone is ready to give up.

Never underestimate what God can do through an ordinary act of obedience.

5. Every new challenge requires fresh dependence on God.

Here's something important to remember: you can't live today on yesterday's strength.

Yesterday's victory doesn't eliminate today's need for God. Yesterday's answered prayer doesn't mean you don't need to pray today. Yesterday's experience doesn't replace today's dependence on the Holy Spirit.

We need God continually. Every day.

That's why we stay connected to Him through prayer, His Word, worship, and obedience. We don't store up God's power and then operate independently. We return to Him again and again and again.

He is the source.

James 4:2 reminds us: “You do not have because you do not ask God.” — James 4:2 (NIV)

So ask. Ask God for wisdom. Ask Him for strength. Ask Him for courage. Ask Him for compassion. Ask Him to use you. And then be willing to follow wherever He leads.

Maybe you're facing something today that feels bigger than you. Don't confuse feeling inadequate with being unqualified by God. The disciples weren't enough on their own. Moses wasn't enough on his own. David wasn't enough on his own. Peter wasn't enough on his own. And neither are we. God doesn't call us because we're capable of doing everything without Him. He calls us so that His power can be displayed through our dependence on Him.

Your limitations aren't a problem for God. They can actually become an opportunity for you to experience His strength.

Who has God placed in your life that you can encourage, serve, or bless?

Where do you need fresh strength from God today?

What would it look like for you to stop relying on your own ability and intentionally depend on God's power?