In His Name Devotionals
GOD’S POWER
In His Name Devotionals
GOD’S POWER
“These are in accordance with the working of the strength of (God’s) might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead.” (Ephesians 1:19-20 NIV)
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the great hope of believers. Because He lives, Christians will live also (John 14:19). Peter said that children of God have been “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away” (1 Peter 1:2-4). If you are a believer, you and what you have are protected by God’s power (v 5).
In Ephesians 1:19-20, Paul draws two comparisons. The first is between the power of God demonstrated in the resurrection and ascension of Christ and the power He demonstrates on behalf of every believer. That power is described as God’s “working,” “strength,” and “might.” Together those synonyms emphasize the greatness of God’s power, which not only secures your salvation in Christ, but also enables you to live a godly life.
The second comparison is between the Lord’s resurrection and ascension and yours. The grave could not hold Him, nor can it hold you (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Satan himself could not prevent Christ’s exaltation, nor can he prevent you from gaining your eternal inheritance.
In Christ you have all the power you will ever need. For evangelism you have the Gospel itself, which “is the power of God for salvation to every one who believes” (Romans 1:16). For difficult times you have the assurance that the surpassing greatness of God’s power is at work in you (2 Corinthians 4:7). For holy living you have God Himself at work in you “both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).
No matter how weak or ill-equipped you may at times feel, realize that God “is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that (you) ask or think, according to the power that works within (you)” (Ephesians 3:20). So keep striving according to that power (Colossians 1:29), but do so with the confidence that ultimately God will accomplish His good in your life.
