Let the words from today's reading slowly sink into your understanding: "able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think" (v.20). What an amazing description of the Lord's ability to work within us. Yet so often our focus is mainly on what we want Him to do around us: If He would change this situation or fix that problem then my life would be better. But He invites us to think and ask bigger - He wants to change us!
The Holy Spirit has more than enough power to transform lives from the inside out, but working change within is usually a slow process. Spiritual fruit takes time to grow and mature. That's why we need patience and faith to believe He is working even when we don't see the results right away. God is never in a hurry and will never give up on us.
The Lord has a purpose for your life, and He is constantly working to achieve it. Although He has an individualized plan for each one of His children, He also has an overarching goal - to conform every believer to the image of His Son Jesus Christ. In order to accomplish this, He may have to bring us through some struggles and heartaches. It might not make sense to us, but God knows exactly what He's doing.
What would you like to see the Lord do within you? As you read the Scriptures, look for qualities that God considers precious, and ask Him to work them out in your life. Then rely on His wonderful promise to do even more than you have asked or imagined.
Stanley, Charles F. "God Works Within Us." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. October 2015.Atlanta: In Touch Ministries Inc. 2015. page 36.
