EXCEEDING EXPECTATION
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Ephesians 3:20
Key Verse: “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” — Ephesians 3:20 (KJV)
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 55:8-9, Psalm 126:1-3, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Luke 1:37
INTRODUCTION
God is a God who specialises in surpassing the expectations of His people. Throughout Scripture, we see that whenever God intervenes in human situations, He does not merely meet needs, He exceeds them. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways are far above our ways. What seems impossible to man is natural in the realm of God. When we walk with Him, we must expect divine surprises and supernatural manifestations beyond our calculations.
Too often believers limit God by their experiences, backgrounds, fears, or what they have seen others go through. But the God we serve operates outside human boundaries. He does not depend on earthly resources, and He is not confined to human logic. Where man sees limitation, God sees opportunity. Where man sees the end, God sees a new beginning. God delights in showing Himself mighty by doing more than we ask, think, or imagine.
As we embrace the revelation of a God who exceeds expectations, our faith is strengthened, our hope is renewed, and our confidence in divine intervention grows. God wants His children to anticipate miracles, breakthroughs, and blessings that will shock them and silence every doubter. When you walk with the God of exceeding expectations, you will testify of wonders that only heaven could orchestrate.
1. GOD’S NATURE IS TO DO MORE THAN WE EXPECT
God’s character is rooted in abundance, greatness, and limitless power. He operates in a dimension far above human expectations, performing wonders that exceed what we ask for or imagine.
a) God acts beyond human reasoning (Isaiah 55:8-9)
God’s thoughts and ways surpass human understanding, making His interventions far more powerful than human expectations.
b) God provides beyond the need (John 6:11-13)
Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish until the crowd was more than satisfied, showing divine excess.
c) God’s goodness is richer than we can comprehend (Psalm 31:19)
The goodness of God is stored up for His children and surpasses human comprehension.
d) God’s blessings overflow beyond measure (Malachi 3:10)
When God releases blessing, there is no room to contain it, proving that His supply surpasses expectation.
Biblical Example:
When Solomon asked for wisdom, God gave him wisdom, wealth, honour, and glory beyond what he requested (1 Kings 3:11-13). God exceeded his expectation.
2. FAITH POSITIONS US TO RECEIVE BEYOND EXPECTATION
Expectation is the womb of manifestation. When faith rises in the heart, heaven finds a vessel through which exceeding blessings can flow.
a) Faith believes the impossible (Luke 1:37)
Nothing is beyond God’s reach when faith is active, enabling Him to exceed human limitations.
b) Faith enlarges capacity (2 Kings 4:3-6)
The widow’s jars determined the miracle she received; faith expands what we are able to receive.
c) Faith moves God into action (Mark 10:51-52)
Bartimaeus’ expectation for healing pulled a miracle out of Jesus.
d) Faith celebrates before the answer (Hebrews 11:1)
Grateful expectation transforms desires into visible realities.
Biblical Example:
The woman with the issue of blood believed for healing but received not only healing; she received restoration, honour, and public affirmation (Mark 5:25–34). God exceeded her expectation.
3. DIVINE POWER MAKES THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE
God works by His power, not by human strength. His power breaks barriers, overturns limitations, and brings forth miraculous results that human effort cannot achieve.
a) God’s power breaks natural laws (Joshua 10:12-14)
The sun stood still because supernatural power overruled nature’s boundaries.
b) God’s power restores what seemed lost (Joel 2:25)
Years of destruction can be reversed in a moment of divine intervention.
c) God’s power opens strange doors (Revelation 3:7-8)
When He opens a door, no power can shut it, even when expectations are low.
d) God’s power silences the enemy (Exodus 14:13-14)
When God fights for His people, the battles they expected to lose become testimonies of victory.
Biblical Example:
Lazarus had been dead four days; all hope was gone. Yet Jesus brought him back to life, exceeding every expectation (John 11:41-44).
4. GOD EXCEEDS EXPECTATION TO BRING GLORY TO HIS NAME
God’s purpose for exceeding expectation is not only to bless His people but also to reveal His glory and power to the world around them.
a) God performs wonders to reveal His greatness (Psalm 126:1-3)
When God turned the captivity of Zion, the nations marvelled at His wondrous works.
b) God exceeds expectation to strengthen our faith (John 2:7-11)
The miracle at Cana deepened the disciples’ belief in Jesus.
c) God’s exceeding blessings become testimonies (Psalm 40:3)
God gives His people new songs that provoke awe in those who hear.
d) God’s works silence mockery and opposition (Micah 7:10)
Those who doubted you will witness divine intervention that exceeds expectation.
Biblical Example:
When Peter was released from prison by an angel, the church praying for him was shocked. They expected safety, but God gave immediate deliverance (Acts 12:6-16). God exceeded their expectation.
CONCLUSION
The God we serve is not limited by human thinking or conditions. His nature is to exceed expectation, multiply blessings, and overturn impossible situations with His power. When you walk with God, you must prepare your heart for divine surprises, supernatural speed, and abundant manifestations.
As you position yourself in faith and maintain a heart of expectation, God will lift you beyond your predictions, silence your enemies, and do wonders that will make nations rejoice with you. Prepare for testimonies that will cause you to marvel at the greatness of your God.
PRAYER POINTS
1. O Lord, increase my faith to believe You for things that exceed my expectations.
2. Father, do in my life what only Your divine power can accomplish.
3. Lord, destroy every barrier limiting my expectation and manifestation.
4. Father, perform wonders in my life that will shock the world around me.
5. O God, open doors for me that no man can shut.
6. Father, turn every area of impossibility in my life into testimonies.
7. Lord, enlarge my capacity to receive exceeding blessings.
8. O God, speak for me where my strength cannot reach.
9. Father, perfect every miracle You have begun in my life.
10. Lord, let my life continually reflect Your greatness and glory.
