That's a Lot!

Daily Reading: Ephesians 3

Scripture Focus: 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, to him be glory… (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Devotional Thought: In this section of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he speaks of the mystery of the gospel, and how through the Spirit this mystery can be known. The Jewish Messiah came to save not just the Jews, but the Gentiles as well. The mystery that has been clearly perceived through God’s creation (Romans 1:20) has been finally revealed to all believers through the Holy Spirit.

Paul then goes on to pray for spiritual strength for the church. In this prayer, he asks that they be strengthened with power through his Spirit, that they be able to comprehend the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. How are we to comprehend this if it surpasses knowledge? God “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (v.20). It is only through the Spirit that we are able to understand spiritual things.

When we really consider the meaning of verse 20, it is astounding. When we pray; when we lay our most desperate, heart-felt requests before the Lord, he not only hears us, but he is able to accomplish more for us than we could have ever imagined! God is not limited by our lack of imagination, or even our lack of faith. When we are paralyzed by fear or sorrow in our lives, this does not limit the work of God. “For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words… according to the will of God” (Rom. 8:26-27). We continue to cry out to the Lord, laying our requests before him, trusting that he knows exactly what we need most.

Jenny

Prayer: Lord, we ask for spiritual strength for ourselves and for our loved ones. Through your Spirit, may we comprehend the breadth and length and height and depth of your great love for us.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 148.1-6

1 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! 2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts!

3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! 4 Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created. 6 And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.