Adapted from a Jim Hay’s sermon
3-minute read
Now to him who is able to do far more abudantly than all that we ask or think, according to power at work within us,to him bethe glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen
Ephesians 3:20-21
In the concluding verses of Ephesians chapter 3, Paul presents a truth that can radically transform our outlook on life and faith. This passage invites us into a deeper understanding and appreciation of God’s boundless capabilities, encouraging us to shift from a limiting mindset of doubt to one of expectant faith. Let’s explore how Ephesians 3:20-21 guides us to recognize and rely on God’s ability to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
The Boundless Capacity of God
At the heart of Paul’s message is the declaration: God is able! This isn’t just an affirmation of God’s omnipotence; it’s an invitation to expand our vision of what’s possible. God’s capacity to act exceeds our most imaginative prayers and our deepest desires. The universe’s Creator, who commands the sunrise and the decay of distant galaxies, is not confined by our finite expectations but operates in the realm of the immeasurable and the infinite.
Our prayers and plans are often wrapped up in our limited understanding and immediate concerns, but God’s actions are always in service to a greater eternal good. When we desire dessert, God provides nourishing meat; when we seek success, God teaches humility. This divine ability to do “more” encompasses not just the immediate but spans generations, ensuring that our prayers have impacts far beyond our own lifetimes.
Divine Empowerment in Our Lives
Paul emphasizes that God’s work isn’t just external but deeply personal, operating in and through us. This divine empowerment defies our natural expectations, illustrating that God’s plan unfolds one moment, one act, and one life at a time. In the mundane tasks of daily life and the seemingly insignificant moments, God is at work, using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.
Recognizing that God works through our lives invites us to see the significance in every action and interaction. Whether it’s a job, parenting, or simply sharing a meal with neighbors, all can be acts of service in the divine narrative. This perspective challenges us to identify the “one” person God has placed in our lives for us to serve, share the gospel with, and invite into the community of faith.
The Ultimate Purpose: Glory to God
The ultimate aim of God’s work through and beyond us is the glorification of His name. God’s glory is the objective reality towards which all creation points—an infinite beauty and greatness that predates all else. Our deepest joy and fulfillment come from recognizing and reflecting this glory, finding our purpose in the magnification of God’s name through our lives and the church’s mission.
Paul’s hope is that the recognition of God’s ability will inspire a childlike vision that sees beyond the immediate to the eternal. This vision, much like J.R.R. Tolkien’s “joy beyond the walls of the world,” invites us to participate in the grand adventure of living on gospel mission, anticipating kingdom growth that exceeds our wildest dreams.
Ephesians 3:20-21 calls us to approach God with unwavering expectation, trusting in His infinite ability to exceed our imaginations and desires. As we prepare for Easter and consider our “Who’s Your One,” let us pray and invite with confidence, believing in God’s power to work wonders through our faithfulness.
In embracing this divine perspective, may we find our lives filled with the Word and love of God, empowered by the Spirit to pursue the joy that lies beyond this world’s confines, all for the glory of the One who is abundantly able.
All are welcome to learn more about God’s abilities by visiting The Fount’s weekly meeting on Sunday, 10 am, at the Kansas City Club. Stay up to date with all our events, new blogs, and weekly encouragement by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
