Key Verse: “Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 CSB)
All throughout the Gospels, we see the power of God on display through the miracles that Jesus performed. He turned water into wine. He drove out demons. He healed people who were blind, lame and stricken with leprosy. He walked on water, and calmed a raging storm with a simple word. He fed thousands with just five loaves of bread and a couple of fish. He even brought dead people back to life. That’s a whole lot of power!
When we read these accounts, there can be a temptation to think that God no longer works like this anymore. “That was then, but this is now,” we try to tell ourselves, and start to doubt that these same displays of power can be seen today in the circumstances of our lives.
Is that true of you? Have you ever doubted God’s power? Have you ever found yourself wondering what God is truly able to do?
From the Apostle Paul’s perspective, God is just getting started in showing the extent of His power. In the final verses of Ephesians 3, Paul burst out in praise to God, pointing to His character and power. “Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us” (v.20), Paul wrote.
Paul’s point is that just when we think we seen the limits of God’s power, He takes it to a whole new level. He can do far more abundantly or to an extraordinarily higher degree than anything we could even think is possible. This is how great and awesome God’s power truly is. All things are possible for Him (Mark 14:36).
But here’s where it gets even more amazing. The supernatural, mind-blowing power of God isn’t just some abstract theological concept. Incredibly, it is available for us to experience moment by moment every single day of our lives.
Paul wrote that the power of God “works in us” (v.20). It’s what he referred to earlier in his letter as “the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength” (Ephesians 1:19). The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us to experience every single day.
Jesus said to His disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). As Christians, having now received the Holy Spirit, we have His supernatural power within us. The Spirit of God is ready and waiting to display God’s power to all who would humbly seek it.
In what ways then are you seeking to see God’s above and beyond power on display in your life? What are you praying for right now? For what are you believing God? How are you stepping out in faith, trusting in the power of God to be made known?
The truth is that God is able to do more than we realize. He can heal. He can turn back the wayward. He can protect us in moments of temptation. He can provide. He can deliver us from our fears. All we need to do is turn to Him and ask, submitting ourselves to His will. He can do far and above anything you could even ask or think according to the Spirit’s power at work in our lives.
Prayer: God, you are able. Your power is infinitely greater than what I could even comprehend or imagine. I surrender today to you, Holy Spirit. Show your power in my life today. Grant me greater faith to trust you to do what only you can do. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
