Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us."
Text: Ephesians 3:20
PRAYING FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF HIS OWN LIFE
Paul desired very much that his readers might be able to ascend to greater heights of faith and life. His prayer for the Ephesians might well reflect the spiritual growth that he had experienced in his life. He himself had experienced the following things in his life and ministry:-
1. Great strength in the inner man through the Spirit of God.
2. The indwelling of Christ through faith.
3. He had cultivated a deep love for people.
4. He had cultivated a deep love for the Lord Jesus Christ.
5. The fullness of God was well evidenced in his life.
Paul could not pray for lesser goals. He could not but desire that other believers experience the fullness of power that faith in Christ could produce.
ABLE TO DO EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY
Paul was more than convinced that God was able to hear and answer his prayer. What was the basis of his belief? He had a great depth of knowledge of God. Yet, he did not believe that God was limited by his knowledge. In fact God was not limited to man’s ability to “ask or think”. Paul’s understanding of God is similar to that of Isaiah the prophet. (Isaiah sought to portray the greatness of God in his book).
To whom then will you liken Me,
Or to whom shall I be equal?’ says the LORD.
Lift up your eyes on high,
And see who has created these things,
Who brings out their host by number,
He calls them all by name,
By the greatness of His might
And the strength of His power,
Not one is missing.
ISAIAH 40:25-26
Israel, because of its sinfulness had lost sight of the greatness of God. The prophet Isaiah sought to proclaim a great message where God has no equal. He was Creator! By the greatness of His might and the strength of His power He had maintained all that He had created!
OUR PRAYERS MUST MATCH OUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD
Paul’s lofty prayer, matched his knowledge of God. Because he had profound understanding of the knowledge of God, he was able to ask great things from Him. Our prayers will always reflect our understanding of who God really is in our heart and mind.