God's Great Power For Us Who Believe

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. [Ephesians 1.19-20]

The fact that Paul prayed for what he said (above) is evidence of the importance of it. 

So, what did he pray for? He prayed that believers would understand the incredible greatness of God's power.

Here is where we should use diligence in reminding ourselves and each other of the magnificence of our God. Here is a good starting place:

Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! [Psalm 103.1-5]

How will I ever understand these things if I do not rehearse them in my heart and mind until they are part of my being (...all that I am - ...with my whole heart)?

Once we begin to understand the person and character of God, it is easy to see that it was His great power that raised Jesus from the dead!

But look at this:

For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. [Ephesians 2.6]

Yes, it only gets better! We who believe share in this power! But it matters that we understand it.

So, what if we don't understand? Then we are doomed to a life of powerlessness. How can we ever hope to walk in the power of God if we know nothing of it (other than maybe hearsay)? We simply cannot.

In today's One Year Chronological Bible reading, a fine example of understanding God's power bestowed upon us is seen in Paul's encounter with a deadly snake:

As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand. The people of the island saw it hanging from his hand and said to each other, “A murderer, no doubt! Though he escaped the sea, justice will not permit him to live.” But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. [Acts 28.3-5]

When we understand the greatness of God's power and our benefit from it, it becomes natural to encounter the worst possible scenario and simply "shake it off." 

Understanding is obviously progressive however. Therefore, we cannot shame a person who tries to "shake it off" but dies (or fails) anyway. At least their understanding had elevated them to the place of believing there was a better way whether they actually succeeded in walking it out or not!

As reconcilers of men unto God, our role is not to judge anyone in their faith or lack thereof. Ours is the position of encouraging people to repent and believe in Christ because faith is the ONLY way to please God.

Just because someone trusting God for healing or provision suffers loss does NOT give us the right to condemn or judge them for faithlessness or ignorance. In fact the question might well be posed. "Why didn't our own faith carry them through???"

It all begins with understanding the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.

Father, may I be found growing in my understanding of Your power for us who believe in You. May I also be found helping all I encounter in this same quest! So be it.