BIBLE TEXT: Ephesians 3:14–21 (KJV)
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
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;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 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,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
EXHORTATION
KEY VERSE:
“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;” — Ephesians 3:16 (KJV)
Welcome to Mercy Speaking Devotional on this blessed Saturday, October 10, 2026. Yesterday, we reflected on When God Develops Your Character and were reminded that God is interested in shaping who we are, not merely what we accomplish. Today, we consider The Power of Inner Growth, because lasting character development begins within. Just as a tree needs strong roots to withstand the wind, our lives need inward spiritual strength to remain faithful through changing circumstances. May the Lord deepen His work in our hearts today.
A remarkable example is Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who helped shelter Jewish people during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. She and her family were arrested, and she and her sister Betsie were sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp, where Betsie died. After the war, Corrie travelled to share the message of God’s forgiveness. In 1947, after speaking at a church in Munich, she encountered a former camp guard who asked her to forgive him. Although she struggled inwardly with the painful memories, she prayed for Christ’s help and extended forgiveness. Her account reveals that inner spiritual growth is not simply a matter of appearing strong; it is the deeper work of allowing God to change our hearts, even when obedience is painful. Read more about her.
The Christian life is often judged by what people can see. We notice how someone speaks, serves, dresses, leads, preaches or participates in church activities. These things may have their place, but they do not tell the whole story. A person may appear successful outwardly while struggling inwardly with fear, pride, bitterness, envy or spiritual emptiness. Another person may have little public recognition yet possess a deep relationship with God, a gentle spirit and remarkable faithfulness. This is why inner growth matters.
In Ephesians 3, Paul prays that believers will be strengthened with might by God’s Spirit in the inner man. His prayer shows that spiritual strength is not merely a product of human determination. We need the work of the Holy Spirit within us. We may be able to control our public behaviour for a time, but genuine transformation reaches the heart, where our motives, desires, attitudes and decisions are formed.
Inner growth begins when we allow God’s Word to examine us honestly. It requires more than identifying the faults of other people; it means inviting the Lord to reveal what needs to change in us. Are we becoming more patient? Can we forgive those who have hurt us? Do we remain truthful when dishonesty would benefit us? Can we rejoice when another person succeeds? Do we maintain our faith when prayers appear unanswered? These questions help us look beyond religious appearance to the condition of our hearts.
Paul also prays that Christ may dwell in the hearts of believers by faith and that they will be rooted and grounded in love. Inner growth is therefore not simply acquiring more information about the Bible. It is allowing Christ’s presence to influence how we think, speak, respond and relate to others. A growing Christian becomes increasingly willing to show mercy, practise humility, speak truthfully and serve without always seeking recognition.
Such growth often happens quietly. A person who once responded to correction with anger may gradually learn to listen. Someone who was consumed by worry may learn to pray and trust God more consistently. A believer who once held tightly to resentment may begin the difficult process of forgiveness. These changes may not attract public attention, but they are significant evidence that God’s grace is working within.
We must also understand that inner growth is a process. There may be moments when we recognise progress and other moments when our weaknesses become painfully clear. We should not use our failures as an excuse to abandon spiritual discipline, nor should we pretend that maturity means never struggling. Instead, we must continue returning to Christ through prayer, Scripture, repentance, fellowship and obedience. When we stumble, we seek His mercy and rise again in faith.
Paul’s prayer continues by pointing us toward the immeasurable love of Christ and the fullness of God. This reminds us that spiritual growth is not an exercise in making ourselves look impressive. Its purpose is to deepen our relationship with Christ and shape our lives according to His character. The more deeply we understand His love, the more that love should influence the way we treat our families, neighbours, colleagues and fellow believers.
Verse 20 declares that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. We often focus on what we want God to change around us, but this passage also directs our attention to the power He desires to work within us. We may ask Him to change our circumstances, while He is also teaching us patience, strengthening our faith and making us more compassionate. We may ask for greater opportunities, while He prepares our character to handle responsibility faithfully.
Therefore, do not measure your spiritual life only by visible achievements, public recognition or the number of activities you perform. Ask whether you are becoming more like Jesus. Give attention to the hidden places of your heart, where attitudes are formed and decisions begin. Make time for God’s Word, pray sincerely, obey what He teaches you and remain open to correction.
The strength of your Christian life depends not only on what you accomplish outwardly but also on what God is developing within you. When the inner life grows stronger, outward service becomes more sincere, relationships become healthier, and faith becomes more resilient. Let God continue His work in you, because a heart being transformed by Christ can become a blessing to many people.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Do not spend all your energy improving what people see while neglecting what God wants to transform within you.
PRAYER POINTS
- Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of life, Your saving grace and the privilege of knowing Jesus Christ. Thank You for the work You are doing in my life, both seen and unseen.
- Merciful Father, forgive me for every attitude, motive and hidden weakness that has displeased You. Cleanse my heart and help me to walk in sincere repentance and renewed obedience.
- Holy Spirit, strengthen my inner man and establish me firmly in faith, especially during seasons of pressure, temptation and uncertainty.
- Lord Jesus, transform my heart and help me to grow in humility, patience, love, forgiveness and every quality that reflects Your character.
- Father, expose and remove every hidden root of pride, bitterness, envy and fear that hinders my spiritual growth. Teach me to surrender these struggles to You.
- Lord, help me to grow through Your Word, prayer and obedience, so that my private life will honour You as much as my public service does.
- Faithful Father, I thank You because You are able to do exceeding abundantly above all that I ask or think, according to Your power working in me; continue Your transforming work in my heart until my life brings glory to Your name, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
