The Apostle Paul had done amazing work sharing the gospel with people and establishing Christian churches in major cities and regions of the Roman Empire. He worked tirelessly under difficult circumstances in spite of personal illness and persecution. He was a hero in the first century and remains a hero today.

The letter to the Ephesians was written while Paul was under house arrest in Rome. He was in prison for his faith yet continued his ministry of sharing the gospel. If awards were given, Paul might have won first prize. Yet, Paul wanted the church in Ephesus to join him in praising God for all that God had done.

In Paul’s words of praise, we see the truth about yielding to God any glory that is given for the work of the ministry. Paul praised God for doing what he himself could never have accomplished. God had done more than the people had asked for or even thought about.

Paul understood that the success he had achieved was not because of his abilities or his sacrificial service. Instead, the gospel had advanced “according to the power at work” in the Apostle’s life and the lives of the other Christians. Paul knew the churches he had helped to establish were there because the Holy Spirit had led and prospered the work.

That is why Paul said, “To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Giving God the glory for his work in our lives is so important because directing praise to God reminds us, and others, that we are only the hands and feet of Christ. He is the head of the church and it is Jesus who guides and equips the saints to serve. 

Paul understood the source of the wisdom that had directed his ministry was the Spirit of God. Paul’s great ministry was the result of God’s strength and leadership within his life.

We listen to the weather anchor report the forecast but not once do we imagine that they created the weather. Only God can raise the sun, warm the earth, or bring the storms. To take credit for the success of our ministries is like the weather anchor taking credit for the weather. 

Yielding to God’s wisdom is spiritual strength. Wisdom is recognizing that all the glory should be given to God because it was his power at work within us, and not us, that accomplished the ministry. To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen.