Ephesians 3:20-21

When you and I pray, where does God start to give the answer? Well, this may shock you, but God starts answering prayer in the life of the person who’s doing the praying. Listen to Ephesians 3:20-21, verses that are often used as a benediction but listen to what they say. “Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Did you notice that phrase? “According to the power that works in us.”

Now there’s no question that God is able. I’ve often looked at verse 20 and given thanks. God is able. God is able to do. God is able to do above all that we ask or think. He’s able to do abundantly above all that we ask or think. He’s even able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. God is able to do beyond my praying and beyond my planning. After I have prayed and after I have planned, God is able to do so much more. But where does He start to do it? “According to the power that works in us.” You see you and I must be a part of the answer. We’re praying about some need. We’ve got to say, “Lord, work in us.” Now there’s some times I can’t be a part of the answer. My loved ones are driving on vacation and I pray God watch over them. Providentially care for them. I cannot drive the car. I cannot run the traffic. I can pray for them.

But you know many times God starts to answer my prayers in me. I heard about a rather wealthy man who was praying that God would meet the needs of the missionaries. After he had said “amen,” the little boy in the family said, “Daddy, if I had your checkbook, I could answer your prayers.” That’s what Paul’s writing about. “According to the power that works in us.” God is able. God works in us and He does it for His glory. “To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages world without end.” God wants to answer prayer not only in your life but through your life.