OUTWORKING OF GOD’S POWER IN US

“Now to Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the POWER that works in us” – Ephesians 3:20

An amazing and praise-worthy reality of redemption is the OUTWORKING of GOD’S POWER IN US: “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 to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Eph. 3:20-21). “Now to Him” means that God must be the sole Object of our Praises: “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth” (Psa. 115:1). We must be careful in thoughts and words, not to praise the foolish and vain while we not giving sufficient adoration to the King of Kings.

God receives praise for His awesome Power. Nothing in creation compares to His power. The word for power derives from the Greek root of the word “dynamite” as used twice in Ephesians 3:20 – first as a verb and then as a noun. The verb is translated “is able.” Whereas dynamite speaks of destructive potential, the power spoken of here is constructive. The awesome of God’s power is that He specializes in constructive energy. His power accomplishes, builds, and constructs. In creation, God simply released His words and great things happened. This is power unlimited: the Power that brings order out of disorder; turns water into wine; lifts the lame into wholeness; and takes the dead and make them alive (Jh.5: 8-9).

God’s Power performs “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” The superlative combination of the words ‘exceedingly abundantly’ speaks of the humanly unfathomable nature of His power. The more we think upon His power, the more we are stunned and amazed. Paul was a living witness: someone looked into his eyes and was instantaneously healed. But Paul knew that it was a power beyond him (Acts 14: 8-10). He quickly turned the attention from himself and the Praise and Glory to God: “We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them” (Acts 14:15b).

God works through diverse circumstances to bring about praise to His great Name. He shows His exceedingly abundant power in seemingly impossible situations. That’s why we must not give up when we encounter a difficult situation. It could be the opportunity for others to see God’s amazing grace and His great works and turn to Him. Those things that we would not even think about asking or thinking possible are the very things He specializes in doing.

God’s children are stewards of His grace: “according to the power that words in us” (v.20b). His Power works in and through us to bring glory to His Name. This truth has great implications on how we are to live out our Christian lives. There is nothing and no situation in which God cannot show His extraordinary power at work. Indeed, the more hopeless and impossible the more God is able to manifest His power, and get honour and glory. We may not in ourselves be able to come up with solutions. But we must simply come in faith and believe God can care for the need that we bring to Him.

Mary modelled such attitude of Faith after she told Jesus of the need for wine at the wedding feast in Cana: “Whatever He says to you, do it” (Jh.2:5b). She did not bother with how impossible the situation looked, but was content that Jesus knew about the need that human ability could not handle. As the servants followed Jesus’ instructions, the need was fully met! Now, the King of kings dwells within us by His Spirit. He is waiting for us to start believing and seeing Him work. He will open our eyes to see more of Him, and be nurtured in the dynamic OUTWORKING of HIS POWER that resides in us!