“Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places…
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
“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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:7-10,14-21
Paul understood his calling and knew the Spirit of God at work on and in him to fulfill that calling. Because of the ready access Christ had opened to the Father, and the boldness He’d given, Paul took every advantage to bow before Him in full submission and dependence. He would not trust his own vision, strength, or strategies, but knew where to go for wisdom and power. He also knew it would be God’s doing to increase the Philippine church’s understanding of and love for Him. To bring the gospel to widening light he needed to bend his knees. Every prayer began and was woven and ended with fervent passion for God’s glory, from and for which all things existed. (Isaiah 49:3; Hebrews 4:16)
For any endeavor, it’s vital to seek the Lord for both our work and its divine results. Having been saved with a heavenly purpose, it is to heaven we must appeal for ability and effectiveness in fulfilling it. The God who calls is the One who enables according to His immense, immeasurable grace. He it is who clarifies mission, fortifies the spirit, and sets straight the feet. (Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)
He goes before us to prepare the soil for fruitful ministry. He alone changes and broadens the hearts of hearers, turning stone to flesh. He stokes the fires of love for Christ and sanctifies spiritual understanding. He answers and supplies according to His limitless sufficiency. (Ezekiel 36:26)
When do we pause to dedicate ourselves and those to whom we minister to God’s intentions? How deliberately and specifically do I pray that God will mightily, spiritually work for those in my care? How expectantly do I look for His generous, glorious answers?
Lord, keep me humbly seeking You for myself and those You’ve entrusted to me, that Your will be done and Your name exalted.
As the rain and snow 