Stronger than you think

A few “through the bible” thoughts from Ephesians 3.

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:16-19).

We’ve got a big dog. That’s no surprise to my readers. I often write about the adventures I’ve had with our Great Dane. She’s not as big as some of the Great Danes I’ve read about. She’s only about 105 pounds. Some of you are thinking, “only?”

She is all muscle. But she doesn’t realize how strong she can be. She doesn’t always leave a mark, but I remember every whip of the tail, butt of the head, lean of the body, swipe of the paw, and leap onto the love seat next to me. In her mind she’s just a lap dog. In reality, she’s a beast.

Paul’s words remind us that we’re a lot stronger than we think we are. If Christ dwells in our hearts through faith, then we have been strengthened with divine power. Faith – even faith the size of a mustard seed – means you are much stronger than you think. You have the power to grasp the dimensions of his love for you. It that experience, not just knowledge, that changes everything. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

It’s the original and renewable energy source. It’s the power to believe, not lose heart, persevere, rejoice, and live.