Ephesians 3:14-21: For this reason I kneel before the father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more that all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!
This passage contains another of the powerful, anointed prayers of Paul. There are two main features of this passage, that I want to emphasize. First of all, God wants to strengthen the inner man with his power. Secondly, with God's power in you, God desires to do far beyond what you could even ask or conceive in your mind!! There is no limit to the possibilities in God.
Inner strength is a necessity in our Christian walk. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.
Notice that in this passage Paul prays for strength in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. This inner spiritual strength is necessary in order for you to walk in faith the way God desires. Then this inner strength will help you to walk in the love of God. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love.
You must have inner strength to fulfill God's purpose for your life. Joshua 1 records Moses giving Joshua instructions as Moses prepares to pass the mantle of leadership to Joshua. Moses knows that the path is sometimes rocky and hard. Moses knows that Joshua will need God's strength for the journey.
Verse nine to me sums up what Moses is saying about inner strength. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
The first verses of Luke 18 tells the story of Jesus telling his disciples a parable. The thrust of the teaching is to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
In Ephesians 6 Paul discusses the full armor of God. He says in Ephesians 6:10, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Physical strength has some advantages, but inner spiritual strength will cause you to prevail in this life through the power of God.
Paul also says in II Corinthians 4:16: Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are renewed day by day.
To fully obey God requires a strong person. Obedience requires a person who is not bound by the fear of man. It requires a person who is strong enough to endure persecution for the sake of righteousness. Obedience requires a person who is strong enough to do right, even when every current of the popular culture is flowing against him. Obedience requires a person with the strength to obey even in the face of discouragement. Even when it appears obedience to God is not working.
To me there are three ways to become strong in the Lord. First of all, the Word of God is food for the spiritual man. When tempted Jesus said, It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Secondly, to become strong in the Lord one must fellowship with God. Fellowship with God would include times of prayer and praise. It would also include times of simply waiting in God's presence.
Thirdly, fellowship with other believers will cause a believer to become stronger in the Lord. Remember, God commands us to be strong. It is not an option.
God has a great reward for those who dare to walk in his strength in an obedient manner. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more that all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
God's power is at work in his people. God's power is at work within you. Did you know that God is a rewarder. Hebrews 11:6 states, And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
God wants to reward you. And if you dare believe, God will according to his power which is already in you, to do far beyond what you could even ask or imagine.
God's rewards include using you in his kingdom in a way far beyond what you may have envisioned. Unfortunately, many Christians never come close to the fullness of ministry that God has ordained for them.
Be strong in the Lord!! Be obedient to his commands! And then expect God to do in your life and ministry far beyond what you can even conceive in your thoughts.
God is a really good God!!
Wayne L. Williams
wayne@fotwm.org