"He Is Able" November 12 Readings: Ephesians 2:11-3:21

Today's Reading - Ephesians 2:11-3:21

Background

This passage wraps up the first half of Ephesians, in which Paul spells out the gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Christ. In the second half of chapter 2, he explains the implications of the gospel, that it is designed to break down human walls such as race (Jew vs. Gentile) and other social distinctions to create "one new man" - a united church worshiping Christ.

Chapter 3 outlines Paul's ministry to the Gentiles, how he expressed the mysteries of Christ to those others overlooked, and once again extolled the incalculable riches of Christ's grace. He ends the discussion of our great salvation as he ended the first 11 chapters of Romans, with a prayer of praise, a doxology.

Devotional - He Is Able

When time is over and we stand before God, our chief regret may be our failure to pray more. The mysteries of God's sovereignty and the power of prayer are beyond the ability of our intelligence to sort, but James tells us that we have not because we ask not. God is able to do more than we can even imagine. Look at Ephesians 3:20-21, the final doxology of the doctrinal section of Ephesians.

Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

What are you asking God for? Does your prayer life demonstrate that you believe in a God who is big and powerful and loving - one who can and will answer your prayers? Or do your prayers show that you do not really believe God can do much? Do you pray in faith? Look at what this verse says about our God.

He is able!

He is able to do anything you might ever ask him to do. That doesn't mean he will, because we have to ask according to God's will, and for the glory of God and the good of the kingdom - there are several limits on prayer. But there is nothing God cannot do. You have never prayed a prayer that God could not answer. His power is limitless. But it doesn't stop there.

He is able to do more than I could THINK (or imagine) to ask. Whatever my mind could, in it's wildest imagination, think to ask God to do, God can do that! He is able. No, he's not my genie in a bottle - my prayers must conform to God's character, but anything I can imagine to ask God, he is able to do. But that isn't all.

He is able to do ABOVE and BEYOND all that we could ask or imagine to ask. He is not limited by my ability to imagine what to ask - he is more powerful than my imagination. His power at work in us goes so far beyond that.

So, my friend, pray. God can. He is able. He does not get weary, so pray! Go to him. Seek him. Demonstrate your faith by asking him for that which only he can do. And praise him!

Thank you, Lord, for your amazing, inexhaustible, and glorious power. Help me to pray daily and faithfully, demonstrating that I believe that you are able!

Think and Pray

Does your prayer life demonstrate that you believe God is able to do "above and beyond all that aske or think according to the power that works in us?"
What are you praying for that only such a powerful God can do?