I once knew a Christian sister who was in a rush to drive to a destination. Her car broke down. She knew nothing about how to fix her car. However, she remembered the miraculous experience of praying for others, so she laid her hands on the car and prayed for it. God did not answer her prayer.
Ephesians 3:14-21 is a passage where Paul prayed for his fellow believers. He ended his
prayer with a tribute: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than what we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us “. This verse becomes the basis for encouraging brothers and sisters to pray actively.
What is the relationship between this verse and prayer? Let us look at the power of God. God is “working according to His power” and can accomplish everything beyond what people hope for or imagine. The word “power” in the verse has become the term “dynamite” in English, and it refers to the ability or strength. Some biblical scholars believe that this ability refers to the power of resurrection, while others the power of creation. In any case, the important point is that the power of God can miraculously reverse a hopeless situation. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light (Gen. 1:3), and God’s words resurrect the dead back to life (John 11:38-44).
Some emphasized on this verse that the mighty God could change every situation that people faced, such as the change of the weather, traffic, or the attitude of the boss, spouse, or children, or ensuring the surgery would be successful or that there would be no suffering or illnesses etc. However, Paul is very clear that God’s strength was working “within” us and not “outside” us. What he obviously meant was that God is forming us inside, and He is transforming us inside out. How do you hope God would use His power within you to transform your character or your habits, broaden your horizons, satisfy your wishes, and
achieve your mission?
by Andrew Choy