WHEN GOD'S POWER IS WORKING IN YOU

WHEN GOD'S POWER IS WORKING IN YOU

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 3:14-21

Key Verse: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” (Ephesians 3:20, KJV).

Supporting Texts: Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:29; Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:19-20; Zechariah 4:6; 2 Timothy 1:7.

Description: This message reveals how the power of God operates within believers to transform their lives, strengthen their faith, overcome limitations, fulfil divine purposes, and bring glory to God.

INTRODUCTION

One of the greatest privileges of the Christian life is that God does not merely work for us from heaven; He also works within us through the Holy Spirit. Many believers pray for God's intervention in their circumstances without fully understanding that the Almighty God has already made His power available to them through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The Christian life is not designed to be lived by human strength alone but by the power of God working within the believer.

In Ephesians 3:14–21, Paul bows his knees before the Father and prays that believers will be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ will dwell in their hearts by faith, and that they will comprehend the immeasurable love of Christ. He concludes by declaring that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to His power that works in us. This passage teaches us that God's mighty ability and His active work within His people are closely connected.

When God's power is working in you, your weaknesses do not have the final say, your past does not determine your future, and your present circumstances cannot limit what God can accomplish through your surrendered life. This does not mean that believers will never experience trials or difficulties. Rather, it means that God's strength, wisdom, grace, and enabling presence are available to sustain them and empower them to fulfil His will. The important question is not merely whether God possesses power, but whether we are yielding our lives to His power and allowing Him to work through us.

1. GOD'S POWER WORKS WITHIN THE BELIEVER

God's power is not limited to outward manifestations, miracles, signs, and wonders. Although He can demonstrate His power through extraordinary acts, He also works quietly and continuously within His children, strengthening their hearts, renewing their minds, shaping their character, and enabling them to obey His Word.

The presence of God's power within us is a divine privilege and a call to spiritual responsibility. We must recognise the Holy Spirit as the source of our spiritual strength and learn to depend on Him daily.

a) The Power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16)

“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.”

Paul's prayer reveals that believers need more than physical strength, intellectual ability, or financial resources. They need spiritual strength in the inner man. The inner man includes our spiritual life, our faith, our convictions, and our capacity to stand firm in God's will.

When the Holy Spirit strengthens you inwardly, you receive grace to endure difficulties, resist temptation, maintain your convictions, and continue serving God even when circumstances are unfavourable. Your outward situation may not change immediately, but God's work within you can change how you face it.

b) God Works in You to Produce His Will (Philippians 2:13)

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

God does not merely give instructions and leave His children to struggle alone. He works within them, awakening the desire to obey Him and supplying grace to carry out His purpose. He can change a rebellious heart into a willing heart and transform spiritual laziness into a genuine desire to serve Him.

However, God's work within us does not remove our responsibility. Philippians 2:12 calls believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. We respond to God's enabling grace through obedience, discipline, prayer, and faithful action.

c) The Power That Raised Jesus from the Dead (Romans 8:11)

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

The Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in believers. This truth assures us that the power of God is greater than the forces of sin, spiritual death, and hopelessness. The Spirit gives life, sustains faith, and empowers believers to live in the victory Christ has accomplished.

This promise also points to God's future resurrection of His people. We must not reduce it to a guarantee that every sickness will immediately disappear or that believers will never die physically. Rather, it declares that death itself cannot defeat God's final purpose for those who belong to Christ.

d) God's Power Is Greater Than Human Ability (Zechariah 4:6)

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Human ability has limitations. Intelligence can solve certain problems but cannot accomplish everything. Money can provide comfort but cannot purchase salvation. Influence can open doors but cannot replace God's presence. God's work ultimately depends on His power and grace.

When God's power is working in you, you learn to use your abilities without depending on them as your ultimate source. You prepare diligently, work faithfully, and trust the Holy Spirit for the strength and wisdom required to fulfil God's assignment.

Biblical Example: Gideon (Judges 6:11-16)

Gideon considered himself weak and insignificant, yet God called him a mighty man of valour. God did not base the assignment on Gideon's self-confidence but on His own presence: “Surely I will be with thee” (Judges 6:16). When Gideon responded in obedience, God used him to deliver Israel. His story demonstrates that God's presence can enable an ordinary person to accomplish an extraordinary assignment.

2. GOD'S POWER TRANSFORMS YOUR INNER LIFE

The most important evidence of God's power is not always what happens around you; it is also what God is accomplishing within you. A person may possess gifts and talents but still struggle with anger, pride, fear, bitterness, or a lack of self-control. God's power works to transform the heart so that our character increasingly reflects Jesus Christ.

God is interested not only in making us successful but also in making us holy, faithful, loving, and spiritually mature. His power must be welcomed into every area of our lives.

a) The Power to Become a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Salvation brings a new relationship with God and a new identity in Christ. The believer is no longer defined solely by past failures, sinful habits, or former ways of life. Through Christ, a new life begins, and the Holy Spirit works to bring our attitudes and conduct into agreement with that new identity.

This transformation is progressive. We must continually submit our thoughts, choices, relationships, and habits to God's Word. The power of God gives us the grace to leave destructive patterns behind and grow into the life He has called us to live.

b) The Power to Overcome Sin (Romans 6:14)

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

Sin seeks to control human desires, decisions, and behaviour. But through Christ, believers are no longer helpless slaves to sin. God's grace teaches us to reject ungodliness, while the Holy Spirit enables us to resist temptation and pursue righteousness.

This does not mean Christians will never face temptation or make mistakes. It means that sin need not remain their master. When God's power is working in you, you can confess your failures, receive forgiveness, make necessary changes, and seek accountability rather than surrendering to destructive habits.

c) The Power to Renew Your Mind (Romans 12:2)

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Your thoughts influence your attitudes, decisions, and behaviour. If your mind is continually filled with fear, resentment, defeat, and worldly values, these things can weaken your spiritual life. God's Word renews your thinking and teaches you to see life through the truth of His promises and principles.

When God's power is working in you, you begin to replace destructive thoughts with biblical truth. Instead of assuming that failure is inevitable, you learn to trust God's wisdom. Instead of responding to every offence with bitterness, you learn forgiveness. Instead of following popular opinions blindly, you seek the will of God.

d) The Power to Produce the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

The Spirit's work in a believer is demonstrated through Christlike character. Spiritual maturity is not measured only by how loudly someone prays, how many gifts they manifest, or how much biblical knowledge they possess. It is also seen in their love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control.

When God's power is working in you, people should increasingly see evidence of His character in your daily conduct. Your family should experience your love, your colleagues should see your integrity, and your church should benefit from your faithfulness.

Biblical Example: Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1-22)

Saul was a persecutor of Christians, but his encounter with Jesus radically changed his direction. The man who once sought to destroy the church became a preacher of the gospel he had opposed. His transformation did not mean he became perfect overnight, but it demonstrated the power of Christ to redirect a person's life and make that person useful for God's kingdom.

3. GOD'S POWER ENABLES YOU TO OVERCOME WEAKNESS AND ADVERSITY

Every believer will encounter moments when personal strength seems insufficient. There are seasons of disappointment, opposition, uncertainty, loss, and prolonged waiting. During such times, God's power becomes especially precious because it enables us to remain faithful even when our circumstances are difficult.

The presence of adversity does not necessarily mean the absence of God's power. Sometimes His power changes the situation; at other times, He strengthens us to endure, gives us wisdom to respond, and sustains our hope until His purpose becomes clearer.

a) God's Strength Is Made Perfect in Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Paul learned that God's grace was sufficient even when his personal weakness remained. He prayed for the removal of his thorn, but God's answer taught him to depend on divine strength. This shows that the presence of God's power does not always mean the immediate removal of every difficulty.

When you recognise your weakness and surrender it to God, you stop pretending to be self-sufficient. You can seek help, receive counsel, pray for wisdom, and continue fulfilling your responsibilities with confidence in God's sustaining grace.

b) The Power to Stand Firm During Trials (Ephesians 6:10-11)

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

God does not instruct believers to rely exclusively on their natural strength in spiritual warfare. He calls them to be strong in the Lord and to put on His armour. This includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and persevering prayer.

When God's power is working in you, you become spiritually alert and prepared. You do not give up your convictions because of pressure, nor do you assume that every problem can be solved by human methods alone. You stand in faith while acting with wisdom and responsibility.

c) The Power to Continue When You Feel Tired (Isaiah 40:31)

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

There are seasons when even committed believers become physically or emotionally tired. Waiting on the Lord means looking to Him in trust, prayer, worship, and obedience. God can renew our spiritual strength and enable us to continue when discouragement threatens to stop us.

Renewed strength does not mean that we should ignore the need for rest, wise planning, or practical support. It means that weariness does not have to become permanent defeat. Through God's grace, we can recover, adjust our steps, and continue the journey He has placed before us.

d) The Power to Remain Hopeful (Romans 15:13)

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Hope is more than positive thinking. Biblical hope rests on the character and faithfulness of God. The Holy Spirit enables believers to maintain joy and peace in the midst of uncertainty because their confidence is anchored in the Lord rather than in changing circumstances.

When God's power is working in you, disappointment does not have to destroy your faith. You can grieve honestly, acknowledge painful realities, seek help when necessary, and still believe that God remains faithful. Your hope is not that every event will unfold according to your preferred timetable, but that God will remain with you and fulfil His ultimate purposes.

Biblical Example: David at Ziklag (1 Samuel 30:1-8)

When David and his men returned to Ziklag, they found the city burned and their families taken captive. The men were so distressed that they spoke of stoning David. Yet the Bible says David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. He sought God's direction, received an answer, and pursued the enemy. God's strengthening presence enabled David to move from distress to purposeful action.

4. GOD'S POWER EMPOWERS YOU FOR DIVINE ASSIGNMENT

God does not work in us merely to make us comfortable. He strengthens us so that we can fulfil His will, serve others, and bear witness to the gospel. The power of the Holy Spirit equips believers to accomplish what God has assigned to them, even when the assignment exceeds their natural ability.

Divine empowerment is therefore both a privilege and a responsibility. We must not seek power merely for personal recognition; we must desire to be effective instruments in God's hands.

a) The Power to Witness for Christ (Acts 1:8)

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Jesus promised His disciples power from the Holy Spirit so that they could become His witnesses. The purpose of this empowerment was not simply to give them an exciting spiritual experience but to enable them to proclaim Christ boldly and faithfully.

When God's power is working in you, you receive grace to speak about Jesus, demonstrate His love, and represent Him in your community. You may witness through preaching, personal conversations, compassionate service, godly conduct, and the faithful use of your gifts.

b) The Power to Fulfil Your Ministry (Colossians 1:28-29)

“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.”

Paul laboured intensely in ministry, yet he acknowledged that God's power was working mightily within him. This teaches us that divine empowerment and diligent labour are not enemies. God's power does not excuse laziness; it enables faithful labour to become fruitful.

Whether God has called you to pastoral ministry, teaching, evangelism, family leadership, business, or another sphere of service, you must work diligently while depending on His grace. Your responsibility is to be faithful to your assignment and leave the results in God's hands.

c) The Power to Use Your Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

The Holy Spirit distributes different gifts among believers, but the same Spirit is the source of these gifts. Their purpose is the common good of the body of Christ, not the promotion of individual pride.

When God's power is working in you, you learn to identify, develop, and use your gifts responsibly. You do not despise your own contribution because it seems small, nor do you exalt yourself because your gift is publicly recognised. You serve faithfully and allow the church to benefit from what God has entrusted to you.

d) The Power to Become a Blessing to Others (2 Corinthians 9:8)

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”

God supplies grace so that believers can abound in good works. His provision is not merely an invitation to accumulate possessions; it is also an opportunity to become generous, compassionate, and useful to others.

When God's power is working in you, your life begins to produce blessings beyond yourself. You become more willing to encourage the discouraged, support worthy ministry, assist people in need, mentor younger believers, and use your resources responsibly for God's glory.

Biblical Example: Peter on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-41)

Before Pentecost, Peter had denied Jesus and had struggled with fear. After the coming of the Holy Spirit, he stood before the crowd and boldly proclaimed the gospel. His preaching brought many people to repentance and faith in Christ. Peter's experience demonstrates how the Holy Spirit can empower a believer to fulfil a divine assignment with courage and conviction.

5. GOD'S POWER ENABLES YOU TO LIVE ABOVE LIMITATIONS

There are limitations that arise from inadequate resources, difficult backgrounds, opposition, lack of opportunity, or personal weakness. Some limitations are real and require practical solutions; others are strengthened by fear, false beliefs, or a failure to act. God's power helps us face these realities with faith, wisdom, courage, and perseverance.

Living above limitations does not mean that a believer can demand anything and automatically receive it. It means that no human limitation is greater than God's ability to guide, sustain, equip, and use a person who is surrendered to Him.

a) God's Power Exceeds What You Can Imagine (Ephesians 3:20)

Paul declares that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. God's wisdom, resources, and ability are beyond the limits of human imagination. We must therefore avoid measuring God's faithfulness solely by what we can currently see or understand.

However, this promise is not a licence to assume that every personal desire is God's will. The verse speaks of God's ability, and its context points to His work in and through the church for His glory. We can pray boldly while remaining submitted to His wisdom, timing, and purposes.

b) The Power to Break the Grip of Fear (2 Timothy 1:7)

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Fear can prevent people from obeying God, pursuing worthwhile opportunities, speaking the truth, or taking necessary steps. Paul reminds Timothy that God equips His people with power, love, and sound judgement rather than cowardice.

When God's power is working in you, you can confront fear with faith and take responsible action. You may still feel nervous, but you do not have to let fear make every decision for you. You can seek God's guidance, prepare properly, receive wise counsel, and move forward in obedience.

c) The Power to Accomplish What God Has Assigned (Philippians 4:13)

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Paul wrote these words in the context of learning contentment in both abundance and need. He had learned to remain faithful through changing circumstances because Christ strengthened him. This verse does not promise that every ambition will succeed; it assures believers that Christ can strengthen them to endure and fulfil His will.

When God's power is working in you, you can face demanding responsibilities without assuming that you must depend entirely on yourself. You can study diligently, serve faithfully, work honestly, persevere through setbacks, and trust Christ for the strength required at each stage.

d) The Power to Move Forward Through Faith and Action (James 2:17)

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

Genuine faith does not remain passive. When God gives direction, we must respond with obedience. Prayer should lead us towards faithful action, and confidence in God's ability should encourage us to prepare, learn, serve, and persevere.

When God's power is working in you, you do not use prayer as an excuse for avoiding responsibility. You pray and plan, believe and prepare, trust and work, knowing that human effort cannot replace God's grace but can become an instrument through which His purposes are carried out.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah Rebuilding Jerusalem's Wall (Nehemiah 2:17-20; 4:6)

Nehemiah faced opposition, ridicule, and a seemingly overwhelming task. He prayed, inspected the damage, organised the people, and led them in rebuilding the wall. Nehemiah 4:6 says the people had a mind to work. His story shows that faith in God's help can be expressed through prayer, planning, courage, unity, and persistent action.

6. GOD'S POWER WORKING IN YOU MUST BRING GLORY TO GOD

The ultimate purpose of God's power is not to make human beings famous but to reveal the greatness of God. Every gift, opportunity, achievement, testimony, and spiritual experience should direct attention towards the Lord who supplies the grace.

Paul concludes the passage in Ephesians 3 by declaring that glory belongs to God in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages. This teaches us that God's work within us should result in worship, faithful service, spiritual maturity, and the advancement of His purposes.

a) Give God the Glory for Every Achievement (1 Corinthians 4:7)

Paul challenges believers to recognise that everything they possess has been received. Our gifts, opportunities, abilities, and accomplishments should produce gratitude rather than pride. Even where hard work has contributed to success, God remains the giver of life, strength, wisdom, and opportunity.

When God's power is working in you, you learn to celebrate His faithfulness without despising others or claiming all the credit for yourself. Your testimony becomes an opportunity to honour the Lord and encourage people to trust Him.

b) Walk Humbly Before God (Micah 6:8)

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

Spiritual power must be accompanied by humility and godly character. A person may be gifted and publicly celebrated but still misuse influence if humility is absent. God's power must never become an excuse for manipulation, arrogance, or the mistreatment of others.

When God's power is working in you, you remain teachable, accountable, compassionate, and willing to acknowledge your mistakes. You understand that leadership is a stewardship and that every opportunity to serve comes with responsibility before God.

c) Remain Connected to Christ (John 15:5)

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Jesus teaches that spiritual fruitfulness depends on abiding in Him. We cannot sustain genuine spiritual life through activity alone. We need fellowship with Christ, obedience to His Word, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and a life of prayer.

When God's power is working in you, you do not allow ministry activities, professional success, or public recognition to replace your relationship with Christ. You make room for prayer, Scripture, worship, repentance, and quiet fellowship with God.

d) Live for God's Eternal Glory (Ephesians 3:21)

“Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

Paul's prayer ends with worship. God's work in believers is intended to produce glory to His name in the church and throughout generations. The church is called to display His wisdom, proclaim His gospel, demonstrate His love, and bear witness to His saving power.

When God's power is working in you, your ambition changes. You no longer live only for personal comfort, recognition, or achievement. You seek to leave a legacy of faithfulness, raise others who will serve God, and contribute to a church that honours Christ.

Biblical Example: Barnabas, a Man Full of the Holy Spirit and Faith (Acts 11:22-26)

Barnabas encouraged the believers in Antioch and helped strengthen the growing church. Acts 11:24 describes him as a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. He used his influence to build others rather than seeking all the attention for himself. His life illustrates how God's power can produce generosity, encouragement, spiritual maturity, and lasting fruit for the kingdom.

CONCLUSION

When God's power is working in you, your life becomes a testimony of His grace. He strengthens your inner man, transforms your character, sustains you through adversity, empowers you for service, and enables you to move forward in faith. You may still encounter challenges, but you do not have to face them as someone abandoned or left to depend entirely on personal strength. The Holy Spirit dwells in believers and equips them to grow in Christ and fulfil God's purpose.

Therefore, surrender every area of your life to the Lord. Cultivate fellowship with Him through prayer and the Word, obey His instructions, use your gifts faithfully, and remain humble in every season. Do not seek God's power merely to obtain personal benefits; seek to become a vessel through which His love, truth, holiness, and saving grace reach others. Let your life continually demonstrate that the God who works within His people is able to accomplish His good purpose through them. To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all generations.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, fill me afresh with the power of the Holy Spirit and strengthen me in my inner man to fulfil Your purpose for my life in Jesus name.

2. Lord, let every weakness in my spiritual life receive the transforming touch of Your grace, and empower me to walk in holiness and obedience in Jesus name.

3. Father, renew my mind through Your Word and deliver me from every destructive thought, ungodly attitude, and pattern of behaviour in Jesus name.

4. Holy Spirit, empower me to overcome fear, discouragement, temptation, and every challenge that seeks to weaken my faith in Jesus name.

5. Father, grant me wisdom, courage, and divine enablement to fulfil every assignment You have entrusted to me in Jesus name.

6. Lord, let Your power work in my family, my ministry, my work, and every area of my responsibility according to Your perfect will in Jesus name.

7. Father, help me to recognise and develop the gifts You have placed in my life, and teach me to use them faithfully for the good of others in Jesus name.

8. Lord, make me a channel of Your love, generosity, encouragement, and truth to everyone You bring across my path in Jesus name.

9. Father, deliver me from pride, self-dependence, and the desire for human recognition, and help me to give You all the glory for every achievement in Jesus name.

10. Father, let Your power continually work in me so that my life, family, ministry, and future generations will bring glory to Your name in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You are strengthened with might by the Holy Spirit in your inner man, and you will receive grace to stand firm in faith and obedience through every season of your life.

2. You will not remain a prisoner of your past failures, destructive habits, or former limitations; by God's grace, you will grow in Christ and walk in the newness of life.

3. You will receive divine wisdom, spiritual discernment, and a renewed mind to make decisions that honour God and advance His purpose for your life.

4. You will not be overcome by fear, discouragement, or adversity; the Lord will sustain you and give you grace to respond with faith, courage, and sound judgement.

5. You will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfil your divine assignment, serve faithfully, and become a blessing to your family, church, and community.

6. Your gifts and abilities will be developed and used responsibly, and your service will bear fruit that strengthens others and glorifies Jesus Christ.

7. You will grow in love, patience, humility, integrity, and self-control, and your character will increasingly reflect the life of Christ.

8. You will not allow present difficulties to destroy your hope; you will receive grace to persevere, wisdom to take the right steps, and strength to continue in God's will.

9. You will become a faithful steward of the opportunities, resources, and influence God entrusts to you, and your life will be a channel of blessing to others.

10. You will continue to grow in the knowledge of Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit, and through your life and service, glory will be given to God in the church and throughout generations, in the mighty name of Jesus.