“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know . . . his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms. . . .” (Ephesians 1:18-20)
Powerless. We’ve all felt it, that sense that when we push on the gas pedal of our own lives, nothing happens. “I know the right thing to do; I just can’t do it.” “I’m not strong enough to forgive that person.” “I’m not smart enough, motivated enough, like Jesus enough to trade my desires for his.” We can convince ourselves that being serious about following Jesus is for people who are built for that kind of thing – people more naturally spiritual that we are.
Stupid, ugly lies. Paul asked God to correct his Ephesian friends’ vision in two areas – to be able to know the hope of heaven and to be able to know the enormous power available to them straight from God.
What an insult to God’s power when we refuse to believe he can make us able to do what he has asked us to do. His “mighty strength” made Jesus alive again! His power lifted Jesus off the earth and out of time and right back into his reserved seat in heaven. What is it that he can’t do through us?
Think: Can we really live in God’s power even when we feel powerless? Is it a choice we make or just something God does in us?
Pray: Ask God for the courage to believe that you really can do all things through his power.
Do: Pray today’s passage for the 6 people on your life. (See the “Do” section of Monday’s devo for details.)