Untangling

Ephesians 3:20 crossed my path a few times this past week. When that happens, I know to pause and take a closer look. When I’m looking at verses I’ve read many times before, I like to look them up in different translations or a paraphrase, like The Message. This helps me to really pause and see if something new stands out to me.

In the amplified Bible (AMPC), Ephesians 3:20 reads,

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—

That is a lot of words. But the words that stand out to me are “in consequence of” and “His power that is at work within us”.

I think before when I’ve read this verse, I have focused on the truth that God can do anything – more than we can hope and imagine! And that is a wonderful truth. But how does He do that?

He does it as a result – in consequence of – the work that He is doing within us.

If we want to see God do great and wonderful things, beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams, then we have to be open to Him working in our lives. We have to be open to Him revealing hurts we need to forgive, worries we need to bring to Him, control we need to release… the list goes on. It’s a healing work, an untangling of us from the world.

As He does this freeing work in each area of our hearts and minds, He is then able to carry out His purpose in us and through us. It is then that His power is revealed. First in us, then through us.

God “working in us” can sound scary. It’s work! But I have found that although He is persistent, He is gentle.

The image that came to my mind as I thought on this is what I do when I repot a plant.

I take the plant out of the soil it’s been sitting in – either because it’s not doing well (root rot) or because it’s outgrown the pot (it needs to be moved or it will stop growing). Then I gently brush away the old dirt that is clinging to the roots. Sometimes the dirt shakes off easily. Other times, I have to slowly untangle the roots, being careful not to break them.

Once the roots are untangled, the plant is bare and exposed, vulnerable, but it’s also ready for fresh, nutrient-rich soil. This will help it to be healthy, get stronger roots, and grow.

That is God doing His work in us. We can feel a little exposed and uncomfortable, but He is gentle. And it’s how we get healthy, get stronger roots in Him, and grow into His purpose and plan for us. It’s how He is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—.

I like how Ephesians 3:20 is paraphrased in The Message,

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Is it time for some untangling and “repotting”?

Ask God what area of your heart or mind He wants to do some work in. He is waiting for you to ask. He is waiting to do a wonderful work in your life.