Me and the Ephesians

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being...Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than 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! Amen. Ephesians 3:16,20-21

This was Paul's prayer for the church at Ephesus to encourage them to experience the full measure of God, His love, His power and His strength. He knew the exhaustion, fatigue, and challenges of the work of establishing a church. Paul knew that the work of spreading the image of Christ through actions would induce insecurity, fear and weariness. He is exhorting them to not only believe in the power and strength of God made possible to them through Christ but to access this power.

All of us will experience this weary level of commitment for God as He places us in situations to further His work. Logically, some situations will require more than we have to give but believing we can access His power in these situations in advance will bring realized promises as He does the work within us to accomplish His purpose.

I am going to be with my sister-in-law and her sisters today during their mother's brain surgery to remove a tumor. I tossed and turned most of the night and have awakened sleep deprived. This surgery will be tough as it has the makings of transporting me back to a time with my dear sister as she faced a hopeful tumor removal in her liver. The outcome was less than desirable but we accepted it as God's will and allowed our faith in His ultimate wisdom and will to guide us. I am confident that God will strengthen me with His power today and not allow me to frustrate His work in that waiting room.

His greatest work is at the intersection where our greatest need meets His greatest provision.