Power. In Greek, the translation is “dynamis,” which is where we get our word for dynamite. Upon reflection, the power of God is one of the most difficult concepts to wrap our human minds around. Even more inconceivable, however, is the amazing fact that that same power which resides in the Creator of the universe and which raised Christ from the dead is actually within us as children of God! Paul recognized the awesome power of God and prayed that the Ephesians would realize the powerful gift that was within them. Along with Paul’s letter, the Psalm declares that the power and might of God is the source of our trust and reliance in Him.

Too often, however, we fail to acknowledge the scope of God’s power. Either we try to “box” God and tailor Him to fit within the confines of four walls, or we simply dismiss Him as beyond our ability to understand. In reply to this, Paul prays that the people of God would “know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.” In other words, the power of God is not unknowable, but rather so great that it can’t be completely known. No matter how hard we try, the power of God resists our attempts to limit Him. Paul’s letter emphasizes that it is the vocation of the Church and God’s people to take hold of that power within us and work for the greater glory of God.

Jesus’ call in the Gospel is no different. He so desires a people who will burn brightly and passionately for the sake of His name. However, the vision he details of divided families can be quite discouraging. As Christians, we know that the call of Christ is not easy and often involves criticism. It is especially difficult when the people we love most, such as friends and family, are the very ones against us. Take heart! Jesus knew this better than any of us ever will as the people He came to save were the ones who rejected Him. As a result, the power of the Cross has been placed within us to set the world ablaze so that when Christ returns, His joy will be made complete. A passage that often gives me hope is 2 Timothy 1:7 which says, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” Whenever we become discouraged, let us always remember that we have within us the unfathomable power of God to accomplish what He has called us to do.