More Than You Can Imagine

Today's Verses -- Ephesians 3:14-21

Context:
Paul writes this letter to the Ephesian church so they can better understand God's purpose. He has just finished explaining his assignment as a preacher to the Gentiles.

Text:

14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family in
heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches
he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being
rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints,
to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to
know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of
all the fullness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably
more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within
us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all
generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Paul's prayers are amazing. Wouldn't it be great to have someone pray over you like this?

This prayer is so huge. That we experience love that surpasses our knowledge? That God can do immeasurably more than we ask or even imagine? Often when people read these words they think of things like winning the lottery. If he wanted to, God could have me win even if I didn't buy a ticket! We start imagining a list of wonderful things, including salvation of those we've prayed for, healing of illness, paying off debt, being able to give more, being surrounded by admiring friends...our own personal Christmas list of giant things we want God to do.

But if you think about it, God has already done immeasurably more than we can imagine. Who'd have ever thought that people could find peace after a tragedy in their lives, or see that a life threatening illness was actually a blessing to a family? Even those who have lost everything often come back feeling more blessed than they could have imagined they would be before their loss.

Look at your life today. Instead of concerning yourself with the problems and issues in the world and your personal life, think of the times when God has done immeasurably more than you could have asked or expected. Share that with someone and it may give them hope!

And pray this prayer for those who surround you. Know that I have prayed it for you!