On the other hand I am filled with power—
With the Spirit of the Lord—
And with justice and courage
To make known to Jacob his rebellious act,
Even to Israel his sin.

Micah 3:8

Micah stood in vivid contrast with the rulers and false prophets of his day. While they abhorred justice, oppressed the poor, twisted the truth, had blood on their hands, and were corrupt to the core, the prophet was fully filled with power, that is the Spirit of the Lord, but also possessed the justice and courage to use it.

Stephen was also filled with the same power (and faith), and courageously delivered a scathing indictment to the rulers of his day, going peacefully to his martyr’s death as if in the arms of the Lord. (Acts 6:5-7:60)

But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Acts 6:55

Jesus promised his disciples to leave with them that same Spirit when he left this earth, and predicted that they would do things far greater than him because of this endowment.

When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me.

John 15:26

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.

John 14:12

As Christians, we all have “from the factory,” the power of God within us. What may be lacking is Micah’s sense of justice and courage, and the faith of Stephen to use it. We do not need to pray for power—it is under the hood—but for the boldness to turn the key and step on the accelerator. This is our–my–greatest struggle.

*Actually, Him.