Today's Reading: Ephesians 3:20-21

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV) "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

In today's passage, Paul wrote to encourage the church at Ephesus. They had an abundance of challenges limiting them: Disunity, cultural idolatry, prejudice, persecution, fear and religious differences all threatened the early church as it was trying to share the message of the gospel.

But in Ephesians 3:20, Paul injected these words into their circumstances and ours "far more abundantly." The Greek word for this phrase is hyperekperissou. It means "beyond measure." We cannot calculate it, but it is ours.

Still, we can miss out on accessing this abundance. We can try to be full on our own, but Paul says we aren't the ones who do the work. It is "according to the power at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20). And we have that power now if we are in Christ. (Acts 1:8)

God is at work. Always. Nothing is too difficult for Him. (Jeremiah 32:27) And God is able to do more than we could imagine. But sometimes we limit God's strength to deal with our messes.

Maybe it is disunity — a trail of broken relationships that make us feel unworthy.

Or doubt — we don't understand God's heart and keep Him at a distance.

God is able to do so much more than we could ever imagine. God is not waiting for us to be able; He already knows we aren't. So why is it hard to access this incredible abundance from God? There are several reasons:

Our past prevents abundance. We experience His fullness when we let God heal our past.

Our power limits God's abundance. It is in admitting that we aren't able that we suddenly are. Through Christ we can do all things. (Philippians 4:13)

Our pain eclipses His abundance. Pain blinds us from God's goodness.

Our chaos hides His abundance. Overwhelmed, we struggle to rise above.

Limitations we set on one another can also limit God's power from moving in our relationships and situations. But His power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) Trusting and knowing God's love mobilizes His action and promises in our lives. (Ephesians 3:19)

Prayer: Dear God, I pray that according to the riches of Your glory You may grant me to be strengthened with power through Your Spirit in my inner being. (Ephesians 3:16) Help me to overcome things in my life that limit the abundance You have for me. In Jesus' name, amen.