Ephesians 3:20–21
Have you ever faced a problem that seemed too big for you to handle? What did you do?
Paul ends this part of Ephesians by reminding us of something important: the Christian life was never meant to be lived in our own strength.
Over the last few chapters, Paul has been showing believers how much God has done for them. God forgives sinners, gives new life to those who are spiritually dead, brings people into His family, and fills them with His love. None of this happens because people are strong enough or good enough. It happens because God is gracious and powerful.
That is why Paul ends by saying that God is able to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think."
Sometimes we look at our struggles and think, "I'll never change." Maybe we lose our temper, worry too much, feel left out, or find it hard to obey God when friends are going a different direction. We see our weakness and wonder if we'll ever grow.
Paul reminds us to stop looking only at ourselves and start looking at God. The same God who saved us is still working in us.
Then Paul says, "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus."
God's goal is not simply to make our lives easier. His goal is that people would see His goodness, grace, and power through His people. When believers trust Him, forgive others, show kindness, stand for what is right, and keep following Christ even when life is hard, God receives the glory.
As Ephesians moves forward, Paul will begin talking about how Christians should live. But before he tells us what to do, he reminds us who God is: the God who is able.
As you go through today, what is one situation where you need to stop focusing on your own ability and trust God's help instead?
