So Much More

God’s people have always been marked by a faith that believes in the impossible. Noah built an ark when there had never yet been rain. Abraham trusted God’s promise for a child, even when he and Sarah were well beyond the age of childbearing. Moses challenged an empire, showing whose God actually held the power and authority, procuring freedom for a nation. David understood the character of God so intimately that he was able to challenge a seemingly unbeatable foe with his limited resources. This faith was bred into the people of Israel, who staunchly held out hope for their Messiah.

Now we, as those who follow Jesus, have been asked to continue in this heritage of faith. Ephesians 3:20 gives us a picture of this God who asks His people to recognize Him as the One who is able, even more than we can ask, think, or imagine! What’s wild about this verse is that it is linked to the people of God: He does more than we can ask, think, or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.

God was always looking for a partnership with us. Jesus ensured we would have His Holy Spirit so we can move through the world with the confidence of the Risen Savior. Because we have this seal of the Spirit, we don’t have a flimsy hope based on broken promises, but a divine assurance that God’s nature is trustworthy and true. The Spirit within us—that of the Resurrected Jesus—bears witness!

This verse is not meant to be a formula that ensures that we can ask God for whatever we want and be granted our wishes. It is meant to bolster the faith of God’s people by reminding them of what kind of God we belong to. He is involved in the details of our lives. He cares about our healing, our wholeness, and our divine-given right as children of God to live into His peace. Maybe what we need more than anything is an alteration in our perspective — do we believe that God wants to participate in our everyday lives, even in miraculous ways?

Even when we feel full of unbelief, God promised that His power would be shown even in our weakest of places. So let’s pray with boldness. Let’s choose to trust that His power is already at work in us, shaping us for his purposes and growing us in a faith that has marked God’s people throughout our long history.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do you find it easy to believe that God wants to be involved in the everyday details of your life? That He wants to meet you with His miraculous power? Why or why not?
2. What is an area of your life where you have been waiting on God’s intervention? Listen to “So Much More” and profess the truth of Ephesians 3:20 over your life. Remember that you have the Spirit of God inside of you, that your hope is not being wasted, and that God always keeps His promises!