Exceedingly, Abundantly More…

Read and SOAP: Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV

Wow! How I love this verse! I frequently end prayers with it, or incorporate it in a prayer when I am pressed with worry. It’s been a go-to verse when I am encouraging others. I praise Him often for the truth of His omnipotent power, because the truth of it gives me strength to press on in trying or fearful situations. Seriously, it sparks joy in my soul, hope in my heart, and peace in my mind; the combination of which fills me with strength. According to Paul’s explanation here to the church of Ephesus, because the Spirit is working within us, God can do exceedingly, abundantly more than we ask or even imagine. As Paul wrote to his readers, “to God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Knowledge of this truth can affect how we pray and react to the big and little concerns of our lives. However, understanding this truth on a personal level changes everything, and without question, it affects how we pray, react, and trust in any situation that dares to shake us.

If you’ve ever been blown away by an answer to prayer, then you’ve sampled the meaning of Ephesians 3:20. Paul was teaching his readers what he himself already knew, that it is impossible to petition God for too much because His capacity to give far exceeds the believer’s ability to ask or imagine. Our thoughts surpass our words, but God’s power to act surpasses it all. The apostle reiterated what the psalmist had proclaimed: “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit” (Psalm 147:5). No matter how extravagant we make our requests, God in His matchless power can give us more than we ask, and far beyond what our finite minds can imagine.

Gotquestions.org

Are there troubles in your life? Do you know someone who is sick or struggling to make ends meet?Is there a relationship you believe can never be repaired? Whatever you are facing, you can rest in the knowledge that God not only hears our prayers and cares about our ‘situations’, but He is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or even imagine.

In the online Oxford dictionary, Immeasurable means: too large, extensive, or extreme to measure. The Bible Hub topical encyclopedia defines the word very similarly; it states, the term “immeasurable” refers to something that is beyond the capacity to be measured or quantified. In the context of the Bible, it often describes the infinite nature and attributes of God, His love, wisdom, and power, as well as the vastness of His creation and the depth of His grace and mercy.”

God’s means for accomplishing more than we can imagine comes through His strength. His work is done by the Holy Spirit’s power within us, rather than by our human strength. As Jesus taught His apostles, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38). Paul also refers to “power” throughout this letter (Ephesians 1:19, 21; 2:2; 3:7, 16; 6:12). Ephesians 3:7 described Paul as a minister “by the working of [God’s] power.” Paul’s readers, likewise, could minister by God’s power.