Pivot
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:16-21
Insight
Defeated, we all looked at each other and realized it was a lost cause. The sweet oversized couch we found at a yard sale wasn't going to make its home in our dorm room. We had spent the better part of two hours maneuvering it up three flights of stairs and pivoting at every turn, so much so, that Ross Geller would be proud.
The problem came when we attempted to cram the couch through the narrow door frame. It wouldn't budge. We'd take it back out and try another angle, but to no avail. Even the engineering major couldn't figure out a way to get the thing in; short of taking out a wall, which our college frowned upon. So, the couch stayed in the landing for a few weeks until the maintenance crew had enough.
The couch was too big for its own good. Fortunately for us, God's love is so big FOR OUR GOOD. Today, we read a prayer from Paul for the believers in Ephesus. He desired for them to comprehend the size of His love. It was an impossible prayer — one incapable of being answered on this side of heaven.
The depths of His love can't be contained through our comprehension. His love is more significant than any circumstance faced. Our limited mind is incapable of grasping the boundless grace, forgiveness, and compassion He extends to us. Even the richest picture we paint from our perspective pales in comparison to the vividness of His love.
We catch glimpses of it. We experience snippets of it. However, the fullness of His love surpasses our knowledge. So, why would Paul utter this prayer?
He wanted them to be overwhelmed by God’s love, to understand that it never runs out. He urged them to lift their eyes off their circumstances and on to the One who stood taller. He hoped they would know that the lens they used to see their purpose was infinitely smaller to the grander vision God had for their lives. Paul's prayer is an invitation to embrace a full life by knocking down anything that stands in the way of embracing Christ's love so it can make its home inside our heart.
Reflection
How does understanding the depth of God's love alter the way you approach challenging circumstances?
How are you arranging your life to experience the fullness of His love?
Prayer
God, Your love is unfathomable. If I spent the rest of my days reflecting on it, I would still not understand it fully. Your love is bigger than my battles. It's larger than my doubt. It's higher than my hopes. Today, I will rest in the love You extend so graciously to me. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
