Friends Needing Friends: HE IS ABLE

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think...Ephesians 3:20

I've been chewing on this verse for a few months now. I think I say those words in every email I write! I hope you chew on God's word. There is so much nutrition in His Word for our spirits. His words are sweeter than honey on my mouth!

Anyway, back to Ephesians...God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think...Stop! Just stop right there and think about those words! They have such intense meaning! They are so full, yet we often read them, pass right over them, and don't really think about the power that is contained in them.

Paul made up that phrase. His knowledge of God, his vast understanding of God in his heart, his personal experiences with God have surpassed words. God is so amazing, awe inspiring, and really at times, just beyond words. So Paul took liberty here and just made up a saying to explain a little deeper who God is.

Spurgeon says it this way...

"He (God) is able to do so abundantly it exceeds measure and description."

That word "able" is the same word used for power when we talk about the resurrection of Jesus. It's dunamai - It's miraculous power! He can do it! He can keep on doing it too!

Ok! Ok! What can God do? Well, He's told us so much of what He's already done...

He is able to...

· provide a child for the barren (Abraham/Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth, the Shunnamite Woman)

· The widow whose oil was multiplied

· lead 1 small stone slung by 1 small boy right in the head of giant killing him

· bring the dead to life...Shunnamite's Son, Jaerus' daughter, widow's son, Lazarus

· shut the mouths of lions

· Protected Naomi and Ruth on their journey to Naomi’s home town.

· create a child in the womb of a virgin

· Provided a son for Ruth that would be in the lineage of Jesus

· feed a multitude using a few fish and loaves

· Provided for the widow of Zarephath.

· Provided Tamar with two boys and protection from Judah

· endure the beating preceding the cross and then give Himself upon the cross

· Raising Dorcas from the dead.

1 Cor. 2:5 tells us that our faith should not be in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God.

We measure life, circumstances, abilities, things by our own experiences, and then live our lives and make understanding by putting God in that same box. We give Him our attributes thus giving Him our limitations and our measurements, but God is above and beyond all of that. "He abundantly exceeds measure and description."

God did all those things. I've become simple enough that I believe every word in the Bible including the fact that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

So, if He did all those things so many thousands of years ago. He can do so much more! Exceedingly! Abundantly! Above all that I could even imagine or think. Some of those things are beyond my imagination even now. Wouldn't it blow your mind to see some of those things happen?!

Exceedingly abundantly more than we can think or imagine...Because of this praise to God, we can have assurance that God can answer our prayers! We should never hesitate to offer our deepest request.

Jowett says it this way, "What I have asked for is as nothing compared to the ability of my God to give. I've asked for a cupful, and the ocean remains. I've asked for a sunbeam, and the sun abides. My best asking falls immeasurably short of my Father's giving. It's beyond all that we can ask."

What are you trusting God for? Ask Him...believe He can do it. Wait and see!

Blessings!