God is able 'to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, ACCORDING TO HIS POWER THAT IS AT WORK WITHIN US.'- (Ephesians 3:20) Often we quote the first half of the verse but ignore the second half of the verse which lays down the condition for the fulfillment of the first half. Just as it took the power of God to rescue the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and bring them to the promised land, even so it took the power of God to rescue us from 'dominion of darkness and bring us into the kingdom of light'. Therefore, everyone who has been born again can be assured that the power of God was at work in them. But is the power of God still at work in us? The power that brought the Israelites out of Egypt were with them throughout their journey in the wilderness for 40 years until they reached the promised land. We too are assured that his power will be at work in us until we reach the promised land. 'He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.' - (Philippians 1:6) Not only did this power bring us out of darkness but now this power is at work within us to fulfill the purpose for which he brought us out of slavery to sin. Therefore, the work in us and through us must reach its completion while we are still on earth! We see that this principle holds true both in the case of Christ and his Apostles. 'Knowing that all was now completed and so that the Scriptures would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "... It's finished."- (John 19:28-30) And towards the end of his ministry, Paul wrote to Timothy, saying: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - ( 2 Timothy 4:7) What about us? Has the work neared completion in us? It depends on the measure of God's power at work within us right now! The power is proportional to our death to self! 'If we have been united with him in his death, we will certainly be united with him in his resurrection.' - (Romans 6:5) The power of the resurrection is manifested in those who are dead to their selves. More of self, less of his power; less of self, more of his power! John the Baptist put it thus: "He must increase, but I must decrease." - (John 3:30, KJV) Paul put the same in other words: 'I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.' - (Galatians 2:20) Speaking of power at work within him, Paul wrote: 'To this end I labour, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.' - (Colossians 1:29). The bigger the magnitude of his power at work in us, immeasurably more will be the work the Lord can do through us; more than all we ask or imagine! That explains why some believers experience greater miracles than others and we think God shows favouritism! That is because God does only 'ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT IS AT WORK IN US. To him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!' - (Ephesians 3:21) Amen.
Sam Matthews. K
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