A physical trainer friend of mine will sometimes present his clients with a weightlifting bar with a large amount of weight on each end. He then instructs them to lift the bar, and—of course—they can’t. Next, he tells them to try and lift the weight several times a day for several weeks. After the allotted time, they return and unfailingly report that they can lift the weight over their heads. They often remark that, at first, they never thought this growth in power would be possible!
In Ephesians 1, Paul passionately wrote to the saints in Ephesus, “I . . . pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him” (Ephesians 1:19). He then declared with obvious confidence that the same power which raised Jesus from the dead also placed Him at the right hand of Almighty God in heaven (Ephesians 1:20). “Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come” (Ephesians 1:21). His power is eternal, and that power has been given in fullness to His church—that is, to the people He has chosen! (Ephesians 1:22-23).
The power at our disposal for furthering Jesus’ work on earth to God’s praise and honor is limitless. Yet, speaking for myself, I can frequently be found languishing in defeat—seeming to lack even the smallest amount of real spiritual strength. Paul makes it clear that defeat isn’t God’s plan for His church! Learning to rely on God’s limitless power is worth striving for, even if at first we fail to lift the “weightlifting bar” of His amazing calling. Through the study of Scripture, prayer, and the equipping of the Holy Spirit, we can learn to reveal God’s presence so that He’ll be honored and His power will be displayed in us.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Exodus 7:15–9:7
More:
Read Hebrews 12:1-3 and consider where the strength to “run with endurance” for Jesus comes from.
Next:
How are you practicing walking in the power of the Holy Spirit? What will happen if you spend more time in Scripture and make yourself accountable to others who can help you grow in God’s power?
Gary Shultz on February 7, 2017 at 6:18 am
Well Russell, I was a little embarrassed as I read the scripture portion and it says prayer is to be used to ask for God wisdom, strength, and power. I often just stumble into scripture portions without requesting or thanking God for this privilege. Even more than in the physical, we need help in the spiritual. So, the reminder was a pointed one on our respect and thankfulness for God “care package” we use everyday. The other thing you mention in this post is being accountable to others. It’s not done as often or as well as it should be. You know in the gym you are challenged to lift more and longer if others, just by their presence set an example. And like your illustration, if we have someone training us it is even more effective. There are times for quiet reflection and there are times when we need to be with that great cloud of witnesses. God has give us a lot of opportunities to be strong, we best use them. Thanks Russell
gagirllive on February 7, 2017 at 7:49 am
Greetings, Russell. When I think about God’s progressive revelation of Himself in scripture, it seems to me that from the very beginning to the culmination of all things in Christ, it is His power that is the continuous thread that feeds the awe of His people. We have a God whose omnipotence should keep us preoccupied, that’s for sure. What is even more astounding (and so very humbling) is that this same power—the power that raised Jesus from the dead—now lives in us who believe! This is the power at work in us everyday—enabling us to live a resurrected life. That’s why we can say with Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2: 20) Though we still live in the trappings of our fallen human bodies, we house the power of Christ within. The challenge is to take our eyes off our own utter weakness and look to Him, appropriating by faith His provision. God has told us that His power works best in our weakness—for when we are weak, He is strong. We must stop trying and start trusting, leaning on the Everlasting Arms that can powerlift anything. 🙂 Let us get on our bench and “press” on to know Him in the power of His resurrection today, saints! Thank you for this great encouragement, Russell. You got me fired up! 🙂 Grace and peace to all.
hsnpoor on February 7, 2017 at 12:30 pm
That visit to and tour of Ephesians 1 was a powerful and empowering reminder of the power we have residing within us and who controls it (not us) and for whose purposes (God’s). I’m thinking this is a good passage of scripture to put to memory; or, at least to go visit on a daily basis until I really appropriate and internalize it’s truth. “We must stop trying and start trusting”—GG that is a word to remember! Thank you, Russell & GG, for some very good reminders!
Tom Felten on February 7, 2017 at 3:53 pm
Good insights, GG. As the writer of Hebrews penned, “Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25). I’m so grateful for God’s power unleashed through the Holy Spirit and through other believers (like you, GG!) who encourage us to press on in Jesus!