City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

²⁰ Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. ²¹ Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NLT)

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses are the culmination of an epic prayer in the Book of Ephesians. In the preceding verses Paul is praying that believers would be strengthened by the Holy Spirit, that Christ would dwell in our hearts by faith, and that we would know and experience the massive love of God in all its fullness. 

It is only through our relationship with God and by receiving His love for us, that God is able through His mighty power to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. I used to turn to Ephesians 3:20-21 particularly in times of testing and discouragement, and think to myself: “Lord, I can sure think of a lot better than what I’m going through now.” 

However, that was a limited way of thinking. Instead of living from the overflow of God’s powerful presence and love; I was living from the dregs of my limited strength and will power. It was not until I acknowledged my limitation that I started living from the overflow of God’s strength, which is infinitely better! It is no wonder Paul boasted in his weakness. God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). He can do infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or think!

Application

Do you feel limited or stuck in a certain situation? You may be gritting your teeth and trying to bear it in your own strength. Or you might be trying to escape it with everything you’ve got. What I’ve learned from reading the scriptures is that Paul often said things that were so far removed from what he was physically going through. He was able to see beyond his situation and tap into God’s heart in the matter. He lived from the overflow of God’s presence and power no matter what he went through. (And I’m sure this was a process for him, just like it is for all of us). 

Whatever you may be going through, turn your attention completely to God in this moment. Thank Him for His goodness and compassion. Invite Him to work through you to accomplish infinitely more than you could ask or think. It is God who works through us (v.20) and that’s why God gets all the glory! (v.21). 

Prayer

Lord, thank You for freeing me from the tyranny of self. I’m tired of trying to do it all myself. I acknowledge that I can’t and praise You that I don’t have to. Through You, I can do anything. I invite You to finish the work You began in me. Lord, have Your way. In Jesus’ name, amen.