This week’s devotions are based on “Rooted: Finding My Identity in Christ: I am confident! (WATCH HERE)
Ephesians 1:18–20 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know … his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
Paul wants the Ephesians to know “his incomparably great power for us who believe.” He then points them to the greatest demonstration of that power in all of history. God raised Jesus Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms.
That is resurrection power.
Sometimes we think of God’s power as something dramatic. We imagine miracles, mighty acts, or moments when God changes everything in an instant. But Paul wants us to understand that the power of the resurrection is also at work in ordinary Christian lives.
The same God who raised Jesus from the dead is at work in you.
That does not mean every problem will disappear. It does not mean every prayer will be answered in the way we want. It means that sin, failure, weakness, and even death do not have the final word for those who belong to Christ.
Romans 6:4 says, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Think about a seed planted in the ground. For a while, nothing seems to be happening. The seed is buried beneath the soil, and from the surface it looks lifeless. But underneath the surface, something is happening. Life is beginning to grow.
God’s work in us can sometimes feel that way.
We may not see dramatic changes. We may still struggle with the same temptations. We may still wrestle with impatience, fear, anger, selfishness, or discouragement. We may look at ourselves and wonder, “Am I really changing?”
But God’s Word tells us to look somewhere other than our feelings.
Look to Christ.
In Baptism, God united us with Christ’s death and resurrection. The old sinful self was crucified with Him, and we have been raised to live a new life. The Christian life is not about becoming strong enough to save ourselves. It is about living each day in the strength of the Savior who has already conquered sin and death for us.
Philippians 1:6 gives us another promise: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
That means your weaknesses do not surprise God.
Your struggles do not make Him give up on you.
Your failures do not undo His promises.
The God who began His work in you will continue His work.
Perhaps today you are discouraged because you keep falling into the same sin. Perhaps you feel like you should be further along in your faith. Perhaps you have tried to change something in your life and have become frustrated by how slowly progress seems to come.
Don’t give up.
You may feel weak today, but you are not without power.
Christ is alive.
His Spirit is at work.
Your old life no longer has the final word.
And the Savior who conquered death is not finished with you yet.
So take the next faithful step today. Confess your sin. Receive God’s forgiveness. Open His Word. Pray. Serve someone. Resist temptation. Encourage another believer.
You don’t do these things to earn God’s love.
You do them because in Christ, you already have it.
The power that raised Jesus from the dead is the power of the Savior who is at work in you.
Reflect: Where do you most need God’s resurrection power in your life today? What is one faithful step you can take today because you are alive in Christ?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for conquering sin and death through Your resurrection. When I feel weak, discouraged, or trapped by my past, remind me that I am united with You and that You have given me new life. Through Your Word, strengthen my faith and give me the power to resist sin, trust Your promises, and follow You faithfully. Help me remember that You are not finished with me. Continue the good work You have begun in me until the day You bring me home. Amen.