Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,… (Ephesians 3:20 ESV)

Paul pauses in his letter to the Ephesian believers to offer a benediction. In this case, his “good word” concerns God’s relationship with his people and our needs. Having just spent the better part of three chapters of the letter praising God and explaining the Gospel of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as it is applied to us by the Holy Spirit, he prays for God’s people. He prays that we would be given spiritual strength through the dwelling of the Spirit of Christ in our hearts, that we would be secure in faith and love, and that we would have profound wisdom and knowledge, especially of the love of God in Christ. And then he bursts into this benediction.

He is basically praying for the flourishing of the spiritual lives of God’s people as we face the challenges of the world, the flesh, and devil in this life. And Paul believes God is able and willing to answer his fervent petitions. How? He is able. He is in heaven and does all that he pleases. He is our refuge. He is our strong tower. His Spirit raised Jesus from the grave. His steadfast love endures forever. Fear not, he says, for I am with you. In fact, the apostle is saying, he can do far more than what we ask of him. And interestingly, he is not talking here particularly about his powerful throne or the heavenly host. He says, according to the power at work within us. The Spirit of the risen Christ dwells in believers. What more could we need?

Believers, do you need help? Are you afraid? Are you anxious? Is your marriage in need of serious renewal? Perhaps of saving. Are your children running away or rebelling or confused and in pain? Are you in the midst of the daunting challenges of parenting today? Have you fallen and it seems that you do not have the strength to get up? You are not alone and he is able. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7).  

PRAYER: Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. [Eph. 3:20, 21]