TODAY’S VERSE
Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. (ESV)
When reading the final six words of verse twenty, it can be super easy to either (1) misunderstand what the Spirit was guiding Paul to write or (2) simply overlook the magnitude of what is being said.
We obviously miss what Paul was saying if we misunderstand those words to mean that we somehow have (within our own capabilities) the power to do what God desires us to do. Paul is not referring to our own strength, but rather the power of Christ dwelling within us.
If you’ve been to church much, you will quickly nod your head in agreement with this statement. But please, don’t leave this devotion without taking the time to truly meditate on what Paul is emphasizing here (and throughout the New Testament).
Whenever you experience any sort of transformation in your life, it’s only because the Spirit of the living God is present in and working through your life. Paul said it this way in his letter to the Philippian church, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you” (Philippians 2:12-13).
This means that whenever you sense the spiritual barometer of your life has tipped any further to the right, it’s only because the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is active and working within you. And it’s for that reason Paul says, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Have you noticed yourself becoming a little slower to become angry recently? You should fall on your knees. That’s evidence the Creator of the universe is living within you.
Have you noticed your compassion toward that coworker grow in the last month? You should fall on your knees. That’s evidence the Creator of the universe is living within you.
Have you noticed a stronger desire to approach the Father in prayer and His word? You should fall on your knees. That’s evidence the Creator of the universe is living within you.
Wherever God is working, He is also present. May we never grow tired of that reality.
APPLICATION
Grab your journal and something to write with and reflect on the ways you’ve sensed God working in your life recently.
PRAYER
Thank God in prayer for the ways He’s been present in your life.