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Ephesians 3:20 - Nothing Is Too Big for God.

Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

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 PEARL

Immeasurably More
   I have no doubt that we shall soon receive an abundance of His grace, with which we can do all things, and, without which we can do nothing but sin. We cannot escape the dangers which abound in life without the actual and continual help of God. Let us pray to Him for it constantly. - Letter 9
   How good is your imagination? God's power is greater than that! Paul tells us that God can "do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine." God has plans far above anything we can dream up and desires that we join Him in His plans. Too often though, we limit our expectations based on our own power or what we perceive will happen. We need to stop living in our own strength and instead rely wholly on His. God is not there to grant every wish we have but rather to provide us "an abundance of His grace" as we faithfully lean into His love, power, and guidance. Don't limit God's activity in your life to what you think is best. Be open to letting Him work fully even when you do not understand. [The Practice of the Presence of God: 40 Day Devotional by Brother Lawrence/Alan Vermilye]

COMMENTARY

He Is Able
   Whatever you're hoping for, you can take confidence in this truth: God is able. But just because God is able doesn't mean that your hopes will come to fruition overnight. We tend to expect God to work immediately on our terms, but an almighty God is not confined to earthly rules. What He does in your life may not be exactly as you dreamed or expected, but it is exactly what's best for you and for His glory.
   Now, just because God is able doesn't mean you should sit or shrink back. You have a role to play in the miracle story that God is writing in your life. He invites you to join Him as His Spirit works in and through you, spreading the good news of the gospel to those He has divinely put into your path.
   As He faithfully leads you, you'll get a glimpse into the stunning truth that God is the God of the impossible, and He wants you to participate in this great story He's writing. Surrender your control of how you think life should be, and pray for opportunities to participate in His wondrous plan and see His majesty in action.
   Dear God, expand my expectations so that I would trust that You can do immeasurably more. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio]

ILLUSTRATIONS

   I've always used a small shoulder purse that lets me be hands-free. And there's no need to set it down in a shopping cart or public bathroom. People have occasionally laughed at the size of my purse, questioning how I can carry everything I might need. They're amazed at what I have packed in it when I pull out all the essentials plus extras: tissue, pen, Band-Aid, cough drop, and a mini nail file.
   I'm often amazed at how much truth can be packed into one or two Bible verses. The few lines of Ephesians 3:20-21 tell so much about the who, what, how, and why of our relationship with God. The words say He can do far beyond anything we might think up, using His own power working in and through us, so that Jesus and His church will receive the glory.
   Jesus's public ministry lasted only three years, but He packed a lot into that time: teaching, healing, comforting, guiding, loving, and - most importantly - dying for our sins. Through Him, those early disciples saw and experienced things they'd never imagined possible. I think Jesus still likes to amaze His followers like that. As I learn to pack lighter for my life journey by letting Him carry my burdens, my hands will be free to praise Him for doing more than I can imagine. Dianne Neal Matthews
   Faith Step: Choose a Bible verse that has a lot of personal meaning. Memorize it so that you can always carry it with you, hands-free. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

   Most mornings, my husband, Ted, and I take a walk around our neighborhood. We chat, talk about the coming day, and enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and each other's company. There are mornings when it's hard to drag myself out of bed, but I'm always glad afterward.
   Yesterday as we walked, admiring neighbors' flower beds and blooming trees, I turned my head and noticed something unusual coming from a side street. I stopped short, my eyes widening. "Look!" I could barely get the word out.
   A man on a unicycle rode toward us. Ted and I applauded as he zoomed past. It felt as if we had an impromptu circus act entertain us.
   That happening flooded me with gratitude. It symbolized the unexpected ways Jesus surprises and delights me - often when I'm not watching for His amazing gifts. I'd hoped for birdsong and flowers when we set out on our daily walk, but
I never expected a unicyclist.
   Sometimes I treat Jesus as if He begrudges the provisions I pray for. But the opposite is true. He loves to give not only what I need but more than I can even hope for, including an improbable unicyclist.
   One never knows what surprises and delights await when walking with Jesus. Sharon Hinck
   Faith Step: Watch for Jesus to delight and surprise you today with something you haven't asked for or imagined. Thank Him for the amazing reflection of His love. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

LINKS FOR FURTHER

Ephesians 3:20 - Nothing Is Too Big for God.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211012-1006.html

Ephesians 3:20 - Is God Running Late?
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211030-0839.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/