There’s a verse in Ephesians that Christians love.
It’s Ephesians 3:20 and it goes like this:
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.”
That’s pretty intense.
That’s pretty unbelievable.
That’s pretty inspiring.
But though most of us want to believe it, we have a hard time embracing it for ourselves.
Really? We wonder. God can do anything? He really wants to do big things in for me?
For a split second, we convince ourselves that it’s possible. But it doesn’t take long for us to go back to our everyday powerless living, wondering, doubting, pondering the gap between what we ought to believe God can do and what we see him do in our life.
Why do Christians falter when it comes to verses like Ephesians 3:20?
Why do we hesitate to boldly proclaim a God who is able to do anything?
Why do we accuse the few who do believe it of heretical thinking, and quickly squelch their enthusiasm with a cup of cold faithless water?
We take great joy in hyper-explaining the verse: “Well….Paul didn’t really mean that God will do anything. What he meant to say was….”
If you have embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ you have literally hung your life on the notion that a man named Jesus Christ claimed to be God and rose from the dead.
That’s preposterous but it’s as real as the oxygen you are breathing.
Maybe you’re one of those people who looks at 3/20 with a yearning to believe it. You long for a faith that can move mountains. You desperately want to see God do things above what you can think or ask.
But you’re still waiting.
I’d like to suggest 4 reasons why you may lack power in your living:
1. You don’t ask for it
This one is easy. You won’t get if you don’t ask. Wait, what? Are you saying that I can actually ask God for stuff in my life? Well, yeah! You can ask. Of course don’t expect him to answer the dumb stuff – like a boat or George Clooney for a husband. Ask for things that advance His kingdom. Ask for things that Glorify His name. Ask for things that matter. And believe me, you will see answers that will blow you away.
2. You don’t see it when it happens
I have long described myself as a cup half empty Christian and it has hurt me more often than I can tell you. Over and over again my friends have had to shake me up and show me: It’s happening! God is AT WORK in my life. I just have to open my eyes and acknowledge it. He’s a Great God!!
3. You’re too afraid of it
What if, after all, it doesn’t work? What if you believe God for something and it doesn’t happen? How will you face the world? Hey! You can jump off that cliff now. You can let go of this bag. God can handle himself. You don’t have to make excuses for him or do what you can to protect him. He’s got you covered. If it doesn’t happen, He will tell you exactly why soon enough. For today, rest in knowing that He knows best.
4. You’re not ready for it
I don’t mean to burst your bubble but some of you need to take a good look at yourself and get your spiritual house back in order. I’m not pointing fingers. I’m talking to myself too. Every so often when it feels as if God is far far away, it’s because I’ve drifted. When that happens, nothing will bring us back to God’s heart than getting on our knees in repentance.
Look – the more I know God the more I see him to be a God who is far and above all that I can ask or think.
Now that’s powerful.
And it’s the life God intended us to live.
Thank you for the post, Lina.
Knowing who He is and who we are real reasons to keep us on right track.
Great points!
Glad you read this post. Yes, ourGod surprises us all the time. What He does is far more than our expectations. His timing however does not coincide with ours. We have to go through the processor waiting and growing
You got me again, Lina! Speaking right to me!
We believe that yes, God can do amazing things for other people but just not me. I would probably mess up anything glorious he gifted me to do in my life. But claiming his promises are the key… Who am I NOT to be used for his glory? I am a child of the King! Be bold… for with boldness comes power through him.
i appreciate your encouragement 2 days in a row lisa!! and YES you ARE a child of the KING! He WILL use you for HIS glory!
Hi Lina, This is awesome and often I print out the blogs and keep them to use for someone I know who needs encouragement and your blog is just what they and (I) need. Thank you so much Lina. God is using you in a powerful way.
mary! you’re so sweet. Praise God for how He is working in your life!
“I have long described myself as a cup half empty Christian”
After finally getting around to watching your video Lina I cannot possibly envision you as a cup half empty anything.
andy! you crack me up. ya, i was very positive in the video. just don’t ever give me anything as a present..
George Clooney, lol. Love you Lina! This verse is popping up everywhere for me the last 2 weeks. Gods gentle nudge has become a hammer….got the message…I’M ASKING!
haha kindra – i’m glad you caught my GC insert. who would ever ask God for something like that?!
Lina, Good post! Ok did I say Good post….. Hey, I think you’re on to something, there might be people who could use a powerful Christian or two, three … Lets catch the Fire, u r so right lets add a lil juice to our walks and see ……….
God has always been close when I draw near to Him. It’s the times I don’t spend time in His word that I flounder and feel lost. God does give me strength to serve Him daily. In my home, at church, in my community. You don’t have to be Billy Graham to be used by God.
I also want to take a moment and thank you again for speaking at church this morning on prayer! Wow. I don’t ever, ever want to hear that you have given up what He has called you to do and that is speak God’s word so boldly and from your heart! He has given you that gift in a mighty way and I, for one, am so blessed to hear you teach & use that gift for His glory!
Have a blessed day Lina.
Thanks Debbie- u r correct and u will need to remind me of this every 3 months or so:-)