Ephesians 3:20-21

3:20

Now to him – transitional phrase, beginning of a doxology or formalized blessing used in the NT church

who is able – skills, gifts, talents; God is not just vague intellectual concept; He is One who acts

to do – He acts, gets involved, participates, influences and is Himself influenced by people and events on earth

immeasurably – infinitely, extremely

more than – He surpasses

all – without limit or boundaries

we ask – What am I asking God for today? Today, I am asking God that after years—decades—of forming Christ within me, I ask that Christ within me prove Himself greater than the addiction/obsession that has plagued me.

or imagine – Frankly, after so long, I am not able to imagine my life without this battle. It has formed my life purpose for years. Now I don’t know what other life purpose I might latch onto.

On a different note, what can I imagine God doing? I can imagine Him starting a Spanish language congregation from our home congregation. If/since He can do more than that, I cannot picture it (the “more than”) at this point.

according to – in compliance with, because of, directed by

his power – strength, energy, drive

that is at work – present tense; ongoing, continuous state. God’s power is now—at this moment—at work, operating, functioning, guiding and motivating me. He is now active within me. Sometimes I just go through routines. Can it be possible that He has actually brought me, directed my steps and influenced events around me, to bring me to this point? That being true (and I’m still processing that possibility), then can I trust Him to continue working in and around and through me today and tomorrow? The uncertainty here depends on my continuing to trust His working—present, ongoing tense.

within us – in me, around me, on me, through me

3:21

to him – to the One described in previous verses. To the One who is currently working in me and can work, accomplish, incredibly more than I can imagine

be glory – 24 elders around the throne, heavenly creatures ceaselessly flying around the throne, proclaiming His glory, greatness, majesty, splendor. I take no glory, praise, credit for myself. If I metamorphose through these upcoming days and weeks, it will be God working in and around and through me. If I continue trusting His present-tense working, it will be His gift of faith enabling me to trust. This is not about me; it is all about Him. If I fail again, it will result from my ceasing to trust that He is at work. It would be my failure, not His.

in the church – Let the church bring glory to God the Father

and in Christ Jesus – Let the ongoing witness of Christ Jesus bring glory to God the Father

throughout all generations – as long as there are generations living

forever and ever – as long as there is time

Amen – may it be so.