Packed with Power

Today's Verse:

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, ~Ephesians 3:20

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Paul referred to himself as the prisoner of Jesus Christ in Ephesians 3:1. He was a prisoner of Rome and used his time in prison to write to the church at Ephesus. The idea of being a prisoner presents someone who is held captive. It speaks of little to no liberty. It indicates that the prisoner is held by a power greater than himself. However, even though Paul was a prisoner of Rome, he knew something about a greater power. He experienced this power personally. He explains this power in Ephesians 3. He exhorts us to rely on this power in the closing verses of this chapter. 

We see the Author.

“Now unto him that is able....” This power is something Paul prayed for in his life and in the life of his friends at Ephesus. This power originated from God. He is its Author. This is the power present at creation. This is the power that opened the Red Sea for Moses and the Jordan River for Joshua. This power opened the sterile wombs of women who were said to be barren. This power rolled away the stone and raised Jesus from the dead. It is absolute, infinite, unmatched, and unrestricted power. It is God’s power!

We see the adequacy.

Paul said of this power that it works in us. In and of ourselves, we have no adequacy. Paul sensed his inadequacy as a prisoner. Paul spoke about his calling to preach the gospel and the power that accompanied him as a preacher. Without this power, his preaching was powerless. Without this power, we are powerless and inadequate. Without this power, we are inadequate to win souls, build churches, console hurting people, and exercise great faith in prayer. This power working in us is like gasoline for an engine, electricity for appliances, and breath in our lungs. It must be working in order to be effective.

We see the ability.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Think about that—it is the ability to do much. It is the ability to do more. It is the ability to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. God’s power is incredible and extraordinary. His power exceeds our imagination and faith in what we ask or think. This power enables us to love the unlovable. It enables us to forgive the unforgivable. It enables us to believe the incredible and do the impossible. It enables us to pray for great things and see even greater things done. It enables us to envision great things and see beyond our vision. It is uninhibited, unlimited, and underutilized.

We see the availability.

It’s available to every child of God. It works in us because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The question is, "How much are we letting it work?" It’s available if we meet God’s conditions for access. It’s available when our vessel is clean and fit for the Master’s use. It’s available when we have faith that pleases God. It’s available when we pray with urgency and in surrender. It’s available anywhere, anytime, and to anyone. It’s available regardless of geographic location. It’s available regardless of education. It’s available to those who ask. Yes, it is available “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” 

Paul was packed with power. We can be as well. It’s working within us. Let’s not stymie or limit this power. Let it work in us to the glory of God

Have a power-packed God Morning!

#Ephesians #Jesus #Power #Prisoner

Reading Schedule: Ruth 1-4