POWER
(DAY 5 of 7)
“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” - Ephesians 1:15-23 NIV
Think
What a prayer!
In this passage, Paul is praying for a group of people (a Church) in Ephesus that he spent about three years with Acts 19. It is obvious that Paul really loves these people as he offers a powerful prayer to God on their behalf.
In verse 19, Paul prays that these Christians would know “what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe…”The Greek word for power is “dynamis”, which is where we get the English word “dynamite.” This is no small thing. Paul is asking God to give his people a revelation of this power.
Paul is specifically talking about God’s power directed TOWARD us that is meant to flow THROUGH us. God knows that living within the truth of who we really are and carrying out the assignment that we have been given is NO small task. This is why He gives us His power. We desperately need it to do what we’ve been called to do.
God has big plans to do more than we could ever ask or think THROUGH that power that is at work within us (Eph 3:20). How can we do the big things that God has in mind for us to do? By his power. We can step into that work and take ground for His Kingdom if we know what kind of power we’re working with (hint: resurrection power). No wonder Paul was praying for a revelation!
In this passage, Paul is praying for a group of people (a Church) in Ephesus that he spent about three years with Acts 19. It is obvious that Paul really loves these people as he offers a powerful prayer to God on their behalf.
In verse 19, Paul prays that these Christians would know “what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe…”The Greek word for power is “dynamis”, which is where we get the English word “dynamite.” This is no small thing. Paul is asking God to give his people a revelation of this power.
Paul is specifically talking about God’s power directed TOWARD us that is meant to flow THROUGH us. God knows that living within the truth of who we really are and carrying out the assignment that we have been given is NO small task. This is why He gives us His power. We desperately need it to do what we’ve been called to do.
God has big plans to do more than we could ever ask or think THROUGH that power that is at work within us (Eph 3:20). How can we do the big things that God has in mind for us to do? By his power. We can step into that work and take ground for His Kingdom if we know what kind of power we’re working with (hint: resurrection power). No wonder Paul was praying for a revelation!
Act
When we have a revelation of God’s power at work within us, it propels us forward with boldness. This gives us a “who can be against me” kind of confidence. God doesn’t just turn us loose to do his work in the world on our own strength. Instead, He clothes us with supernatural power by His Spirit and empowers us to do the impossible.
Take some space to ask God: With this fresh revelation of your power working toward me and through me, what would you have me do?
…don’t be surprised if His answer is something big and seemingly impossible…that’s where He does His best work.
Take some space to ask God: With this fresh revelation of your power working toward me and through me, what would you have me do?
…don’t be surprised if His answer is something big and seemingly impossible…that’s where He does His best work.
Pray
Father, thank you for my new identity in Christ and for clothing me in power by your Spirit. Lord, teach me what this means today. Give me a deeper revelation of your power at work toward me and within me. I want to partner with you and see your power flow. Will you show me what you would have me do and teach me to walk in confidence as I stay connected to you, my power source. Amen.
Worship
Spend some time worshiping the Lord.
Come back tomorrow for day 13!