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
Is God able to do more than we ask or think? Of course. What about doing abundantly more than we ask or think? That too. So, can He do exceeding abundantly more than we ask or think? Why not? Think about the term ‘exceeding abundantly’. What does it mean? It’s a double superlative, a term that emphasizes and re-emphasizes how far beyond our expectations God is able to perform. The Greek word translated ‘exceeding abundantly’ is found only two other times in our New Testament. In 1 Thessalonians 3:10, it speaks of the earnestness of Paul’s prayers for the Christians in Thessalonika. In 1 Thessalonians 5:13, it refers to the high esteem that the Christians should have for those who labour among them in the Gospel and in ministering to the Lord’s people. Here in our text, the term points out the limitless blessing that God is able to pour out on us. But we should also note that these blessings are not only for us but also through us.
We love to quote today’s text during our prayer meetings, and well we should. There is comfort in knowing that God is not limited by our ability or willingness to pray. Is God able to save those of our loved ones who have not yet trusted Christ? Yes, and more! Is God able to preserve and build up our local assemblies? Yes, and more! Is God able to bless the Gospel efforts of His servants? Yes, and more! Is God able to bring comfort and healing to those of His people who are enduring grief, sickness, and trials? Yes, and more! Whatever we pray for, God knows the need and the circumstances of all these and other things far better than we do, and we bow to His wisdom in providing what is best for us and the most in harmony with His purposes and for His glory.
The last phrase in our text turns the message back on ourselves and our responsibility. It is through the power that worketh in us that God can and will dispense His great blessings. What is this power? The presence of the Holy Spirit. None less than the third Person in the Trinity dwells within each of us. That means the power referred to in our text is not just power, or mighty power, but almighty power. It reminds us of Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’
Allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, and we will see God exceeding our imagination in what He enables us to do for and through Him. To Him be the glory. -Jim MacIntosh