How can you rely on God's power in challenging situations? Surpassing Power for Everyday Struggles “and the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength.” Paul piles up superlatives—“surpassing,” “greatness,” “power,” “mighty,” “strength”—to make sure we grasp that God’s ability is limitless and already aimed “toward us who believe.” The power that lifted Christ from the grave (v. 20) is the very power He intends for your Monday pressures, midnight anxieties, and life-altering crises. Power Illustrated in Scripture • Resurrection power – Ephesians 1:20: the benchmark of what God can do. • Deliverance power – Exodus 14:13-31: the Red Sea parts for those who trust. • Sustaining power – Isaiah 40:29-31: “He gives power to the faint.” • Empowering power – Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” • Transforming power – 2 Corinthians 5:17: new creation life is a present reality. Why We Sometimes Miss That Power • Forgetfulness – focusing on circumstances instead of promises (Psalm 77:11-14). • Self-reliance – leaning on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Unconfessed sin – quenches the Spirit’s activity (Psalm 66:18; 1 John 1:9). • Isolation – neglecting the encouragement of fellow believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). Practical Ways to Lean into His Strength 1. Remember Who He Is • Meditate on passages that showcase His might (Job 38-41; Revelation 1). • Speak them aloud; faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). 2. Pray Specifically for Power • Follow Paul’s pattern: “that you may be strengthened with power” (Ephesians 3:16). • Bring the exact challenge before Him; expect His enabling. 3. Stand on His Promises • Write out verses like 2 Corinthians 12:9 or Joshua 1:9. • Refuse to let feelings outweigh what God has sworn. 4. Obey the Next Step • Power often meets obedience in motion – Peter stepped onto the water before experiencing support (Matthew 14:28-29). • Do what you already know He wants; watch Him supply. 5. Stay in Community • God’s power flows through the body (Ephesians 4:16). • Share burdens; receive prayer and practical help (Galatians 6:2). 6. Praise in Advance • Paul and Silas sang before the prison doors opened (Acts 16:25-26). • Praise shifts focus to God’s capability and invites His intervention. Encouragement for the Journey The same “mighty strength” that shattered death is “toward us who believe.” Challenges become stages where His power is displayed, weaknesses become conduits where His grace shines (2 Corinthians 12:9-10), and every setback is an opportunity to prove again that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Rely on Him, move forward, and watch His surpassing greatness turn impossibilities into testimonies. |
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