Monday, March 24, 2008

Infinitely More


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. Ephesians 3:20 (New King James Version)


I had to reread this verses several times before I could begin to take in the promise being made. Exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask or think! I have to ask myself if I am ready to walk in confidence for the very thing I am asking God. I am not asking for material wealth, miraculous physical healing, or even impossible doors to open. I am asking for freedom from the very thing that keeps surfacing in my life and showing itself present. It is like a scattered forest fire whereby I see one flame extinguished or at least brought under control, only to have another one appear in the distance. It is that “besetting sin” or weakness that continues to trip me up, hinder me, and wrap me in discouragement and despair! Therefore, today’s verse is meant to be my signpost along the way that cries out, “Do not give up! Hold on! When it is all said and done, God will do immeasurably more than you are asking!” I like how it is stated in The Message, “Far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams.”

Who is making such a promise to me and to you? God! The One who created the world, divided the Red Sea, brought water out a rock (twice), raised the dead, brought sight to the blind, fed thousands of people with a little boy’s lunch (twice), forgave my sin, made me a new creation in Christ, and came back to life after dieing for all of humanity. That God! My difficulty is in His hands. It is His personal project!

Not only is He the One working on my behalf but His power is what is working in me! While my cooperation with Him is necessary, His strength and power are what will bring about the ultimate transformation I need., crave, and desire. Although this is a huge request in my mind, requests are not categorized in God’s mind as being difficult or easy. God does not operate on the same scale as I often do. He does not strain at anything He does. Dividing the Red Sea took no more energy for Him than any other miracle recorded in Scripture. In other words, God and His power are bigger than any need or request I bring to Him.

For any who battle an area in their life that seems impossible and insurmountable, I invite you to join me as I cling to this verse and the One who gave it to us. He knows the apprehensions and weariness of our minds and souls. He knows the toll the battle is taking on us. May we each admit our own need of Him and then poise ourselves for His mighty intervention on our behalf!

Father, I stand before You today with my need in hand. You see the doubts I wrestle with and yet they shrink when placed next to this verse. Amen.