It was pitch dark. Darker than usual. Something was different. And there was a nip in the air. Chillier than usual. That’s when we realized the power was off.

The weather forecasters had hit the nail on the head. Snow and ice blanketed our area. While it was magnificent and picturesque to look at, trees had fallen on countless electrical lines. We weren’t the only ones without power. It was off all over.

We still had water and were thankful. I lumbered to the kitchen to make my one delicious morning cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee. Without power, my coffee pot – one of my favorite appliances – sat cold on the counter, only taking up space.

I dug out the French Press that hadn’t been used in forever. Did I even remember how to use it? Apparently not. It took three times to get it close to my customary brew. I pretended it was fabulous.

I read my Bible by candlelight, switching to a flashlight when the candle wasn’t bright enough. It took longer than usual but was sweet. I thought of people decades ago who had never had a lamp to read by.

Everything was quiet. Washing machines, dryers, hair dryers are all magnificent inventions, but each one was useless without being plugged in to electricity. Just like me. If I don’t stay plugged in to Jesus, I am not my best, not serving my purpose.

What is your power source? These days we tend to be self-assured and self-sufficient. We feel pretty strong in our own strength thinking we don’t need help. That can take a toll, ending in exhaustion. After a bit of going it alone – all on our own – we become tired, downhearted, sometimes hopeless. But if we follow Ephesians 6:10’s encouragement, we find everything is not on us: “Be strong in the Lord and in HIS mighty power” (emphasis mighty).

Second Timothy 1:7 reminds us that the Spirit of God gives us power. Have you needed a surge of power lately?

Jesus taught in John 15 about the importance of staying connected to Him. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

It’s true and we know it. The closer we are to Him, the more peace we have, the more joy, the more love, and all the other fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Away from Him, well, we’re a mess. Away from Him, we won’t have purpose or reach our potential. Like a coffee pot without electricity.

We can remain in Jesus by reading the Bible, spending time in prayer, and being a part of a Bible-believing church.

Different versions of John 15:5 say, “Abide in Me,” “Remain in Me,” and one even says, “Stay joined to Me.” Today I’m thinking, “Stay plugged in to Me.” Staying plugged in to Him will help me weather this storm and others to come in 2025.

This week, the true MVPs were not on the football field. They were out working in the cold to get the electricity back on. Ours was restored in less than 24 hours. A great big thank you to all power company employees everywhere.