Lessons Learned from Portugal’s Nationwide Blackout and the Everlasting Power of Faith

On April 28, in the midst of exploring the stunning Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal, my companions and I encountered an unexpected turn of events. Upon entering our hotel lobby, we were informed that a power outage had affected not only our hotel but had plunged all of Portugal into darkness. Initially, I dismissed the news as a translation error, unable to fully comprehend the gravity of a complete blackout across an entire nation.

However, it quickly became evident that this was indeed the reality. Aimlessly, we decided to return to our hotel to gather further information. Our Uber driver provided us with important updates regarding the situation.

The blackout stranded tens of thousands of train passengers in both Spain and Portugal. Rail services ground to a halt, leaving travelers stuck and uncertain about their journeys. Additionally, the electrical failure disrupted telecommunications, isolating communities from cellphones, the internet, and online banking services.

As we drove, the eerie sight of non-functional traffic lights and malfunctioning gas pumps set a grim scene. Hundreds of stores shut their doors, forcing patrons to queue in search of cash as credit and debit card transactions ceased to function. Many employees left their offices, uncertain about the next bus or how they would reach home. The major hub, Lisbon airport, also found itself forced to close.

The power outage rendered millions powerless, both literally and figuratively. Panic buying ensued as locals and tourists alike scrambled to secure food, fuel, and essential supplies. Grocery shelves emptied quickly, and long lines formed at stores as people grew increasingly anxious, worrying about food and cash supplies in a potential extended blackout.

The atmosphere was chaotic and charged with uncertainty; without cell service, reliable information became a rare commodity. Speculation ran rampant—some warned of foreign sabotage, others of a catastrophic accident involving a plane and a power station. In the dark, misinformation propagated swiftly.

Our hotel managed to keep some lights on thanks to its backup generators. Dining options were unfortunately limited. We could only choose between a simple salad or a charcuterie board overflowing with meats and cheeses. Hoping for ice cream, I was disappointed to discover it had already melted due to the outage. Yet, we felt fortunate to have something to eat while most nearby establishments remained shuttered.

Initial reports suggested a restoration of power within 10 to 12 hours for Spain, while Portugal faced a possible week without electricity. Fortunately, power returned in both nations within 10 to 14 hours. By the following morning, life for over 59 million people resumed a semblance of normalcy.

This harrowing experience prompted deep reflection on spiritual themes, particularly the notion of divine power. Ephesians 3:21 reminds us that God’s power can exceed what we can dream or imagine. In this context, I was struck by a profound realization—the omnipotence of God is consistently available. Unlike human-generated power, it never falters or fails.

Frequently, we attempt to fulfill our needs independently, overlooking the infinite strength that faith offers. We bear the burden of worries and challenges, striving to navigate life’s hurdles without relying on divine guidance.

God intends for us to lean on His boundless power rather than solely on our limited capacities. When we summon His strength, we open ourselves to experience transformative assistance. Much of our distress could be alleviated through divine intervention, if we only cease struggling and begin to trust in God’s greater plan.

At times, God deliberately orchestrates events that lead to extraordinary outcomes. During periods of uncertainty, we may feel trapped in our circumstances, believing solutions are beyond reach. Yet, in these critical moments, God often works in unforeseen yet miraculous ways.

I have witnessed this divine power repeatedly. For instance, my father-in-law battled alcoholism, harming his family in the process. After finding the courage to seek God’s help, he obtained the strength to abstain from alcohol for over four decades.

On another occasion, a woman afflicted with a tumor fervently prayed for healing. Miraculously, medical scans later revealed complete healing, stunning her doctors and canceling the need for surgery. In both cases, faith and God’s power converged to produce astonishing results.

The same divine force is accessible to anyone in need today. When we open ourselves to God’s influence, we often witness remarkable occurrences that affirm faith’s transformative potential.

God’s power has the ability to break down barriers, open new pathways, and liberate those bound by limitations. In instances of challenge, His miraculous aid emerges, unmistakably of divine origin.

When faced with obstacles, remember to ask God for the power you need. His power is always available and unyielding.