The Power of God: A Devotional on Ephesians 3:20

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.

Ephesians 3:20

Lottie Moon (1840-1912) was an American Southern Baptist Missionary to China. She is known for her commitment to the Chinese people and her deep faith in the power of God. She lived by faith, relying on God for provision and protection throughout her mission work in China.

Lottie Moon's story is an example of how God can accomplish more than we could ask or imagine through the ministry of one individual. She devoted her entire life to the mission field, leaving the comfort of her home in America to serve in a foreign land. Despite facing many obstacles, including poverty, persecution, and illness, she remained steadfast in her faith and dedication to the Chinese people.

Through her tireless work, God was able to accomplish much more than she could have ever imagined. Lottie Moon translated the Bible into the local dialect, established schools and orphanages, and shared the gospel with thousands of people. She helped to establish the first Southern Baptist church in China and played a key role in the growth of the Southern Baptist mission movement in China.

Lottie Moon's story is also an example of how God can use the sacrifices of one individual to affect the lives of many. Lottie's life was cut short due to illness, but her legacy continues to inspire others to this day. The annual "Lottie Moon Christmas Offering" which is a Southern Baptist mission offering to support international missions, was named in her honor and has raised millions of dollars for mission work throughout the world.

What is the meaning of Ephesians 3:20?

The apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians while he was imprisoned in Rome, around 60-62 AD. The letter is addressed to the saints (holy ones) in the city of Ephesus, which was a major city in the Roman province of Asia. The recipients of the letter were primarily Gentile converts to Christianity.

The immediate context of Ephesians 3:20 is found in the preceding verses of chapter 3, where Paul is talking about the revelation of the mystery of the gospel, which is that the Gentiles are also heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promises in Christ Jesus. He also talks about how he was made a servant of this gospel to the Gentiles, and how he was given the task of making plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which was kept hidden for ages in God.

In verse 20, Paul is expressing his gratitude to God for making it possible for the Gentiles to understand and believe the mystery of the gospel. He is praising God for His power, and affirms that God can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. God's power is at work within us, enabling us to do His will.

In summary, the context of Ephesians 3:20 is the revelation of the mystery of the gospel, the inclusion of the Gentiles in the covenant promises of God, and the work of Paul as a servant of the gospel. Paul is expressing his gratitude to God for making it possible for the Gentiles to understand and believe the mystery of the gospel, and for His power that is at work within us.

A Prayer for God’s Power

Dear God,

I come to you today with a heart full of gratitude for your immeasurable power. I thank you for the revelation of the mystery of the gospel, and for including me as an heir together with Israel, a member together of one body, and a sharer together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

I pray that you would continue to reveal yourself to me in new ways, and that I would never limit you in my thoughts or prayers. I ask that you would work in my life in ways that are beyond my wildest dreams, and that I would trust in your infinite power and wisdom.

I also thank you that your power is at work within me, giving me the ability to accomplish your will. I rely on you and your power to guide me, to protect me and to provide for me, as I serve you and serve others.

Help me to remember that I can ask big things of you, knowing that you are able to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine. I pray that I would be a faithful servant of the gospel, sharing your love and your truth with those around me.

Thank you for your love, your grace and your power. I pray all this in Jesus' name, Amen.