As you read through this letter, the idea of living the Christian life may feel overwhelming. We have to walk worthy of our calling (4:1), mature into the fullness of Christ (4:13), take off the old self and put on the new self of a purity and truth (4:22–24), trade bitterness for forgiveness (4:31–32), be godly family members (5:22–6:4), and fight the spiritual war (6:11–17).

But in the middle of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he said, “Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us” (3:20). Chapter 4 begins with “Therefore” (4:1). All of the commands and challenges Paul gives through the rest of the book are grounded in this reality – that God is able to do it in you. He has not left us to our own power to live the Christian life. But don’t miss that He does it in you, not merely for you. God’s going to do it, but He wants to use you. He provides the grace and strength to do more than we could even ask or think. With Him, we cannot fail.

• What is an area of your life where you need to trust God’s power more?