Power

Read: Ephesians 1:17-21

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know . . . his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19, NIV

IN WORD

Ephesus was a city steeped in the magical arts. People from all over the region came to worship at shrines and buy tokens of power such as amulets and spells. So when Paul referred to supernatural wisdom and power, he was speaking their language. But what he prayed was not for an increase in the power they wanted; it was for another kind of power altogether. They were worshiping inferior gods and goddesses. He directed them to the true source.

We have access to that true source too. Many people feel powerless; they resign themselves to fate, or to some Christian version of fate. It isn’t that they don’t believe God can act on their behalf; they just don’t believe He will. But Scripture assures us again and again that God’s power is at work in us, through us, and for us. Later in Ephesians, Paul tells us that God can do beyond our imagination by the power that is already working within us (Ephesians 3:20). But here he narrows the scope: God’s incomparably great power is for those of us who believe.

Does that mean everyone who believes the gospel or those who actively have faith in God’s practical promises for everyday life? Regardless, the condition is clear. Those who believe are the ones who receive. Those who don’t . . . well, God may act on their behalf because after all, He’s full of mercy. But there are some things He does only in response to faith. As Jesus told some blind men, God will do for us according to our faith (Matthew 9:29). God’s power is strongest among those who believe it.

IN DEED

That’s why our hearts need to be flooded with light and vision into another realm. The more we see God’s goodness and power, the more we believe He will act on our behalf. Our vision and our faith are integrally linked. We hardly believe what we can’t envision Him doing. But He responds in power to those who believe. Open your eyes to His good intentions, and watch Him powerfully accomplish them all.

ADDITIONAL READING: Matthew 9:27-29

Belief is a truth held in the mind. Faith is a fire in the heart.

JOSEPH FORT NEWTON