Ephesians 3:20 - Now Unto Him Who Is Able!
Ephesians 3:20 (KJV) 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,
Ephesians 3:20 (MSG) God can do anything,
you know - far more than you could ever imagine
or guess or request in your wildest dreams!
Ephesians 3:20 (TLB) Now glory be to God,
who by his mighty power at work within us is
able to do far more than we would ever dare to
ask or even dream of--infinitely beyond our
highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.
COMMENTARY SUPREME
Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In
every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring
relief. Our Heavenly Father has a thousand ways to
provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who
accept the one principle of making the service and
honor of God supreme, will find perplexities
vanish, and a plain path before their feet. DA330
COMMENTARY PEARLS
My husband and I enjoy biking, and we
regularly bike up a quiet road winding through a
canyon near our home. One day we found a rock
outcropping with a litter of baby foxes romping around.
We biked down. I grabbed my camera and rode up
to the spot. I took some photos and, just for
fun, put one of my photos on a website that
offers free high-resolution photos for anyone's use
for blogs, brochures, screen savers, etc.
The following year I kept getting emails
from this website, and I promptly deleted them,
assuming it was spam. Finally, I decided to open one
of the emails and found it was information
about how many views and downloads this photo had
received - more than 3 million! I was shocked; I
never imagined that could happen.
This fox photo - gaining views and
downloads without me doing anything - reminded me of
Jesus's ability to do so much more than we ask or
imagine. It's my tendency to fret over details such
as where we'll live, what's my next project,
and who (or it) my children will marry. But
Jesus encourages us not to worry and just trust
Him.
I still have my fox photo on the website
and framed on my desk, because it reminds me God
is at work in ways I don't see or imagine. This
inspires me to stop fretting, trust Him, and watch
for Him to do the immeasurable. When I do this,
I find I'm continually and delightfully
surprised. Jeannie Blackmer
Faith Step: Do you have faith to believe
that God can do the impossible? If not, why?
Journal your response and then talk to Jesus about
this. [Mornings With Jesus 2021 Devotional by
Guideposts and Zondervan]
Someone recently mentioned what a
blessing my abundant imagination must be - and I had
to think about that. It had made life more
pleasant growing up, since I could entertain myself
while working long, hot days in the cotton fields.
It came in handy for writing assignments in
school and, later, for a granddaughter always
hungry for a story. But an overactive imagination
can seem like a curse on a dark night in an
empty house. Or when a loved one is late and not
answering the phone. Or while watching the news.
What I don't fully understand is why it's
so easy for my imagination to get carried away
with dark, scary thoughts, but not so much when
it comes to potentially joy-filled things to
happen. Why is it harder to picture a relationship
as healthy and thriving than as broken and
hopeless? To envision myself succeeding at my
God-given dreams instead of failing? To expect the
best rather than brace for the worst-possible
scenario? And the most important question: What does
this tendency say to the One Who gave His life
for me?
You don't have to be a full-fledged
pessimist to struggle with moments of seeing the glass
as half-empty. But the Bible teaches that Jesus
made it possible to live a joy-filled, abundant
life despite the pain that comes with this
earthly life. So if my imagination runs wild, it
should be focused on how God will work out
everything in my life for good - which, according to
Ephesians 3:20, is better than anything I could ever
imagine. by Dianne Neal Matthews
What situation in your life tempts you to
lapse into pessimistic thinking? Imagine yourself
handing that circumstance, problem, or relationship
over to Jesus and trusting Him to handle it.
[Mornings With Jesus 2019 Devotional by Guideposts and
Zondervan]
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
I am able to do immeasurably more than
all you ask or imagine. So think big when you
pray, but remember that I always think bigger! I
am continually at work in your life, even when
you can see nothing happening. It's easy for you
to feel stuck in a situation you'd like to
change because you can see only the present moment.
But I look at the big picture - all the moments
of your life - and I am doing more than you can
imagine.
Try to stay in communication with Me as
you go through this day. You can talk with Me
about anything because I understand you perfectly.
The easiest way to keep in touch is to begin
each day with Me - bringing Me your praises and
requests. Then, as you get into your activities, it's
more natural to continue talking with Me.
The longer you wait to start
communicating with Me, the more effort it will take. So
come to Me early, before you get too far into
your day. You may think you cannot spare the time
for this, but remember that you don't handle
things alone. You work collaboratively with the One
who can do far more than you ask or imagine.
(Eph. 3:20; Psa. 93:1, 2; 5:3) [Jesus Today by
Sarah Young]
I am able to do far beyond all that you
ask or imagine. Come to Me with positive
expectations, knowing that there is no limit to what I can
accomplish. Ask My Spirit to control your mind, so that
you can think great thoughts of Me. Do not be
discouraged by the fact that many of your prayers are
yet unanswered. Time is a trainer, teaching you
to wait upon Me, to trust Me in the dark. The
more extreme your circumstances, the more likely
you are to see My Power and Glory at work in the
situation. Instead of letting difficulties draw you
into worrying, try to view them as setting the
scene for My glorious intervention. Keep your eyes
and your mind wide open to all that I am doing
in your life.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably
more than all we ask or imagine, according to his
power that is at work within us, to him be glory
in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout
all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Rom.
8:6; Isa. 40:30-31; Rev. 5:13) [Jesus Calling by
Sarah Young]
Anxiety is a result of envisioning the
future without Me. So the best defense against
worry is staying in communication with Me. When
you turn your thoughts toward Me, you can think
much more positively. Remember to listen, as well
as to speak, making your thoughts a dialogue
with Me.
If you must consider upcoming events,
follow these rules: 1) Do not linger in the future
because anxieties sprout up like mushrooms when you
wander there. 2) Remember the promise of My
continual presence; include Me in any imagery that
comes to mind. This mental discipline doesnt
come easily because you are accustomed to being
god of your fantasies. However, the reality of
My presence with you, now and forevermore,
outshines any fantasy you could ever imagine. (Luke
12:22-26; Eph. 3:20, 21) [Jesus Calling by Sarah
Young]
Come to Me with all your weaknesses:
physical, emotional, and spiritual. Rest in the
comfort of My Presence, remembering that nothing is
impossible with Me.
Pry your mind away from your problems so
you can focus your attention on Me. Recall that
I am able to do immeasurably more than all you
ask or imagine. Instead of trying to direct Me
to do this and that, seek to attune yourself to
what I am already doing.
When anxiety attempts to wedge its way
into your thoughts, remind yourself that I am
your Shepherd. The bottom line is that I am
taking care of you; therefore, you needn't be
afraid of anything. Rather than trying to maintain
control over your life, abandon yourself to My will.
Though this may feel frightening - even dangerous,
the safest place to be is in My will. (Luke
1:37; Eph. 3:20-21; Psa. 23:1-4) [Jesus Calling by
Sarah Young]
In Me you have everything. In Me you are
complete. Your capacity to experience Me is
increasing, through My removal of debris and clutter
from your heart. As your yearning for Me
increases, other desires are gradually lessening. Since
I am infinite and abundantly accessible to
you, desiring Me above all else is the best way
to live.
It is impossible for you to have a need
that I cannot meet. After all, I created you and
everything that is. The world is still at My beck and
call, though it often appears otherwise. Do not be
fooled by appearances. Things that are visible are
brief and fleeting, while things that are
invisible are everlasting. (Eph. 3:20; 2 Co. 4:18)
[Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
ONE LINER
We must not only pray in Christ's name, but
by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This
explains what is meant when it is said that the
Spirit "maketh intercession for us, with groanings
which cannot be uttered." Rom. 8:26. Such prayer
God delights to answer. COL147
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
Ephesians 3:20 - Now To Him Who Is Able!
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2014/20140106-2120.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides:
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Revelation Now by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
https://www.revelationnow.com/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
