More Than We Ask Or Imagine

Ephesians 3:20

“Now 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.”

I’ve been meditating on this verse for almost a month now, and since then until today, I am in awe by the vast riches we have in Christ Jesus.

Riches that are immeasurable, incalculable, inestimable, unlimited, and infinite! That’s what we have in Christ.

Able (Dunamai) means to have power by virtue of inherent ability and resources

This refers to God’s ability to do literally “above all things”

The present tense emphasizes God is continually able!

IMMEASURABLY (huperekperissou from huper= above+ek = intensifies

Meaning, adding idea of exhaustlessness

IMMEASURABLY (huperekperissou from huper = above + ek = intensifies meaning, adding idea of exhaustlessness + perissos = exceeding some number or measure, over and above, more than necessary) means surpassing, superabundantly, surpassingly, beyond measure, exceedingly, quite beyond all measure, overwhelming, over and above, more than enough.

It describes an extraordinary degree, involving a considerable excess over what would be expected.

This is the picture of what God can and wants to do for us, but more often that not, WE LIMIT GOD by setting our own limitations.

The term “more than we ask or imagine” means that God can surpass what we ask of Him.

Ask (aiteo) means to ask for something to be given with a sense of urgency and even to the point of demanding.

Aiteo reflects a request of one’s will means to ask for, with a claim on receipt of an answer.

Our highest aspirations are not beyond God’s power to grant.

Jowett ( Pastor/bible commentation) said something like this...

“What I have asked for is nothing compared to the ability of my God to give. I’ve asked for a cupful and the ocean remains.

David said,

“my cup overflows” (Ps 23:5)

We have a big God, let’s start praying big prayers. Let’s start believing that good and abundant life is for us.

Let’s us believe that God can make a Millionaires from out of the blue. We have not even fully exhausted His resources.

Notice the word “ imagine” . Imagination is boundless. You can imagine whatever you want. You can imagine you are healthy, you can imagine you have a healthy marriage, you can imagine you have a fruitful business, you can imagine you are driving a BMW…etc- what I am trying to say is, everything is possible in our own imagination.

Think or imagine (noieo from noús = the mind) denotes clear perception, full understanding, and careful consideration.

It means to perceive with thought coming into consciousness as distinct from the perception of senses.

Imagination is very powerful; the new age movement stole this principle and calls it “visualization”

A preacher once lamented to the renowned preacher C H Spurgeon...

“Mr. Spurgeon, I am seeing very few people saved.”

To which Spurgeon replied with a question:

“Do you expect to see people saved every time you preach?”

The preacher answered, “Why, no”.

To which Spurgeon wisely quipped “That’s why you don’t!”

I read it somewhere, if you want a successful life, first thing you must do is to change the way you think.

The bible is true when it says, “Be careful how you think, your life is shaped by your thoughts”

If you think it’s ok to be poor, please, change that mindset! Because that is your imagination, that is your belief.

Don’t let the devil use your imagination, God wants to use our imagination for His glory.

Last part of the verse…according to his power that is at work within us

ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT WORKS WITHIN US:

According to (kata) means in proportion to ones largest! Not stingily.

Not just a portion but a proportion! If I am a billionaire and I give you ten dollars, I have given you a portion (very small portion at that) out of my riches

But if I give you ten million dollars, I have given to you according to or more proportionate to my true wealth.

…according to His riches in glory! (Phil 4:19)

Mr. Rockefeller used to give his caddy a dime. Good thing,

God is not like Mr. Rockefeller…

God’s capacity to meet his people’s needs far exceeds anything they can either request in prayer or conceive by way of anticipation.

Power that works within us…

I like the caption in the latest Nike commercial,

“Everything you need is already inside”

Can you imagine who resides in the heart of the Christians?

If you are in need, tap the power that is already within you.

This power works in us, the power He exerted when he raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

Ruth Paxson writes...

God has revealed our immeasurable wealth in Christ, and has led us to offer petition after petition for its realization.

He is willing and able to exceedingly give us more than we ask or imagine!

Hallelujah!!!