For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 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.

Devotion based on Ephesians 3:14-19

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

At just age 24, the artist Michaelangelo sculpted Pieta, a beautiful marble sculpture of Mary holding Jesus’ dead body. Michaelangelo would have been famous because of that sculpture alone, but later in life he displayed his skill with other artwork, such as the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

At just age 18, LeBron James burst into the NBA and became rookie of the year. At just age 24 he became the MVP. That alone would make him remarkable, but LeBron James displayed his basketball ability once again at the Paris Olympics when he was named Olympics MVP at age 39.

Let’s talk about you. How old are you? And what is the most impressive accomplishment you have ever done? Do you think you are capable of achieving anything more impressive than that later in life?

Now consider Jesus Christ. In another devotion this week, you heard how he turned water into wine at just age 30. Impressive! But it was nothing compared to the way he displayed his love three years later. Jesus showed the width of his love as he stretched his arms on the cross to pay for the world’s sins. But Jesus topped that three days later. Jesus showed the height of his power as he rose from the dead. This is why the apostle Paul wrote that God is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Eph 3:20).

And that power is at work within you!

As remarkable as it would be if you had Michaelangelo’s power to sculpt and paint, it is immeasurably better that you have God’s power at work in your life. That’s because Michaelangelo can’t paint over your sin, but Jesus has!

As wonderful as it would be to have LeBron James’ athletic abilities at basketball, it is immeasurably better that you have God’s power at work in you. That’s because as long of a career as LeBron James has had, your God’s love for you will last even longer. It lasts forever.

So, fill up on God’s love and strength as you learn his Word and someday receive his Holy Communion. The more you do, the more you will understand that no matter how much love and strength God has already given you, he has unimaginably more in store for you. He’ll show that when he takes you to be with him in heaven and when he raises your body.

Heavenly Father, strengthen us with power through your Holy Spirit so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. Make us rooted and established in Jesus’ love so that we may give you the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above