THE POWER THAT GOD SHARES WITH US
I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 1:19-20 (NLT)
While I was in college, my economics professor was covering some of the foundational principles for the course. He wanted to make completely sure we were on the same page, so he did a check-in where he asked if we were tracking what he was saying. The class nodded assent, then he asked people to explain it back to him. When the first few people were unable to do so, he knew he'd need to cover it again. The knowledge that he shared hadn't translated into understanding.
In verse 18, Paul prayed that the Ephesians would grow in their knowledge of God. Here in verse 19, Paul wants that knowledge to inform their understanding of the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe Him. The same power that God used to raise Jesus from the dead has saved you from your sin. That same power has brought you from death to life.
To understand and believe in God requires more than intellectual assent—it requires you to walk in it. Similarly to the example with my economics professor, it's one thing to acknowledge the power God has given us through his Son, but true understanding comes when we believe it, experience it and share it. God literally died so He could transform you and share His power with you. How would that change your day if you walked in it?
APPLICATION: Now for the spiritual audit. Do you understand the greatness of God's power? Are you walking in this belief today? If so, celebrate it and thank God for sharing it with you! If not, then today can be Day 1 to believe it and walk in it.
PRAYER: God, thank You for the power You give to those who believe in You. It's awesome that You share the same power that raised Jesus from the dead with me. Help me to walk in that truth today and to see how You're using that power in me today. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?