Wednesday, August 10, 2022

The Power of God (Ephesians 3)

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus" (Eph. 3:20–21a).

“How comfortable it is to think that you have a God that can do what He pleases; nothing so difficult but He can effect, nothing so strong but He can overrule! You need not dread men, since you have One to restrain them; nor fear devils, since you have One to chain them; no creature but is acted by this power; no creature but must fall upon the withdrawing of this power. Our evils can never be so great to oppress us, as His power is great to deliver us.” Stephen Charnock’s commentary on God’s omnipotence captures the foundation of our confidence in the Lord.

Any authority that does not have sufficient power over its subjects forfeits its right to rule. God, however, does wield sufficient power to rule. The creation itself testifies to this almighty power of God. God Himself sets the boundaries of the sea and bridles the tumultuous waves (Job 38:2). By the power of His word, He brought all things into being. God is the supreme monarch over all other powers—“By Me kings reign” (Prov. 8:15). By His power, God raises our dead souls from the grave, just as He raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Conversion is the “work of God’s arm” (Luke 1:51). Psalm 89:13 says that God’s arm is mighty, able to accomplish all He wills. No power can resist God because He is greater than all others. Our stubborn hearts in bondage to sin cannot withstand God’s gracious power in conversion. If God has willed that you be saved, it will be done by His power and authority. If you are His chosen servant, nothing can separate you from Him, nothing can snatch you away from His grasp. Nothing can keep His children from entering His everlasting kingdom.

Because God is able to accomplish all He desires, we can trust Him completely. Throughout history God has proven Himself able to deliver and secure His people. He brought them forth from the bondage of Egypt. Christ filled the fishermen’s nets with a weighty catch and filled the stomachs of thousands who listened to Him preach. The Spirit of God raised Christ from the dead just as He will raise His people again, clothing them in eternal glory. Our hope and happiness is complete in God, who is all-powerful, almighty, and with whom all things are possible.

Though it is summer, most of us live hectic lives and depend on our own strength to get through the days and weeks. Spend a few minutes today quiet before God, thanking Him for giving you energy. Ask Him to help you more fully rely on Him for all that you must do.