I feel like most Christians would agree that Ephesians 3:20 is a powerful and comforting verse. “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us…”
Abundantly, exceedingly, infinitely—who wouldn’t get excited about that! He’s working in us through the Holy Spirit within to do these things!
Recently God emphasized something different to me in the verse that opened my eyes. It’s simple, but shifts perspective. He showed me I can easily fixate on abundantly more and miss the asking, thinking, and imagining.
You and I have a part to play, and by the Holy Spirit illuminating truth, we partner with Him in asking, thinking, and imagining. It’s not an automatic God-knows-my-heart sort of thing. There is an activation of faith.
The Passion Translation says it this way, “Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.”
So we spend all our time asking for outrageously expensive cars, lavish wealth, and temporal pleasures? Sorry, probably not. John 15:7 says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
Our hearts and minds are set on His eternal word and living truth. The asking, thinking, and imagining flows from that never-ending fountain.
I can ask that my family truly experience the unfailing love of Jesus. I think about the freedom and wholeness He purchased for me and everyone because He shed His blood. I can imagine doing the things He’s called me to do in the places He’s called me to go and get excited that He is faithful.
Through His power working in you, it is the asking, thinking, and imagining that connects you to the “exceedingly, abundantly more.” You do have to believe that there is infinitely more though.
The Father will always be satisfied and the Father will never satisfied.
He is always satisfied with what Jesus accomplished through His life, shedding His blood, powerful resurrection, and glorious ascension. He will never be satisfied until His people receive the absolute fullness of what Jesus purchased for us, individually and corporately.
He desires for us to connect with the Father’s heart, to dream bigger, in our requests, our thoughts, and our imagination. Jesus didn’t endure the agony of the cross in order to have a weak bride who clings to some vague idea of Jesus rescuing her when she just can’t take it anymore.
No, the bride, His Church, will be without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27). She makes herself ready (Revelation 19:7). The gates of hell will not prevail against us (Matthew 16:8)!
So I challenge and encourage you today—partner with God in your asking, thinking, and imagining. He desires to pour out ABUNDANTLY MORE. The power is there. He’s already working. Will you allow Him to accomplish this in and through you?
What are your thoughts? Encouraged? Challenged? (Share in the comments)
Jason, the scripture you shared here was the theme of one of our VBS sessions, and it has stuck with me ever since! I do love that you have shifted the emphasis to asking, thinking and imagining. Nothing is too difficult for God, and He ever wants to grow in His wisdom and will.
Blessings!
Oh that’s awesome! Yeah, He wants us to partner with Him with every prayer, every breath. What a wonderful God!