Jessica Albritton, Family Connections Minister, LHBC
Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
The other week I was in a discipleship class with some kiddos. At the end of the lesson we began taking prayer requests and one little boy raised his hand asking if he could pray for us as we closed. We all bowed our heads and he began one of the sweetest little prayers I have ever heard. As he went through the list of requests he kept opening his eyes to look around the room to make sure he wasn’t forgetting anything that was mentioned. As he was wrapping up he said to God, “and God, we are asking You about all of this because we know You’re the only one that can do anything about these things. We know we can’t do any of it but You are big and powerful and can do all things! Amen!” I just sat there and smiled, eyes starting to water. It was the sweetest little prayer I have ever heard and my heart swelled as I listened.
In the book of Ephesians, as Paul is encouraging the church, he hits on this truth. In verse 20 he states, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” What a powerful statement, He is able because He is God. The author and sustainer of life itself, the one who can do all things, yet so often we don’t live like we believe it. As I read that passage and reflected on the sweet prayer from the kiddo, I thought, how often have I prayed to God asking for big things without acknowledging that He is the only one capable of making it happen? How often have I said amen and then got busy trying to make my prayers a reality through my own works?
In James chapter 1 we are reminded to not be deceived and remember that every good and perfect gift is from above. Nothing in this world we are ever given is a result of our own works and efforts, instead everything we have can be credited back to the Father! Colossians 1:16 reminds believers that everything and everyone was created by Him and for Him! Jeremiah 32:27 states, “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?”
Friend, we serve a mighty God! He is able to do all things because of His great power! Do you trust Him to do what only He can do! Let us get into the mindset of praying big prayers and trusting that He is able!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Heavenly Father, You are so good! Thank You for being so patient with me when I forget that! Lord, may I always remember Your great love and power! Help me to trust in You and not rely on my own strength! In Jesus name, amen!
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Luke 2:11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.