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,
(Eph 3:20)
As I was reading this morning I was taking in the things that God wanted me to apply to my life. I was reading about not satisfying the flesh and things like that, but then I came across Eph 3:20. I had to stop right there because it began to minister to me like never before. Now I have heard this verse plenty of times and I’m sure you may have too. This is one of the scriptures used at the benediction or end of a church service as like a closing prayer. I guess it’s used like that because that’s how Paul ends this chapter in Ephesians. But what stood out to me the most after always hearing it but never applying it to my heart was the first few words. “Now to Him who is able…”
This may not do anything for you but this set me free. I know it’s a very small piece of scripture but sometimes we look too deep for a revelation that is right in front of our face. We are waiting for the lightning to flash the thunder to roll and a dove to fly by to know that God is speaking to us and all he is doing is whispering in our ear the whole time, but we can’t hear because we are too busy looking.
Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
(1Ki 19:11-12)
What the small voice was saying to me “who is ABLE…” I am currently praying about a major decision in my life. I would be lying to you if I was to tell you that what I believe God is telling me to do is very scary and frightening. I am to a place in my life where I am comfortable and I don’t want things to be disturbed. It took me a while to get here but I’m here. The decision that I have to make will disrupt all of my comfort here. (Isn’t it amazing how God will push you out of your comfort zone to increase your faith and rely on him more?). I don’t want to make this decision and be a failure. The biggest thing that scares me is that failure thing but after reading this I am set free. Because now to him who is able….! You might ask, he is able to do what? The answer to that is exceedingly and abundantly ABOVE all that we ask or think”. God is able to keep me from failing in the decision that I have to make. He is able to provide for me daily. He is able to make a way when I can’t see one.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Rom 10:17)
Because he is able this has increased my faith because I believe and know now that he can do it. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. Because I know he’s able this increases my humility all I can do is thank him for being able. I know he hasn’t done anything yet but I am thanking him JUST because I know he can. That’s my offering of thanks and praise in expectation of him doing something great in my life. (See Blog on Humility). Whatever it is that may be happening in your life know that he is able! All you have to do ask!
”Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
(Mat 7:7-8)
Sometimes we get to lengthy with our prayers to God about our situations. Believe me he knows.
Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
(Mat 6:8)
So when you pray just let him know, God this is my situation or my decision that I am faced with it I don’t know what to do but I know you are ABLE!
God bless you and stay in the Race,
Pastor Jonathan Roundtree