An Exceedingly Abundant Offer (Ephesians 3)

by Nov 13, 2023

Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:19-20)

I know a woman in Christ who thirty years ago had two young sons and was pregnant with her third child. She got a phone call that her husband had fainted at the gym and that she needed to go to the hospital where he was taken. He died that day.

As a 37-year-old distraught pregnant widow with two young sons, she completely trusted that God knew about her widowhood and that none of this was a surprise to him. She searched the Scriptures for wisdom, and came to Ephesians 3:20. She read, “Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think . . .” (NKJV). At this point, she realized that her prayers had been pathetic. She was asking God to simply help her to survive and care for her young family, when God was offering her “exceedingly abundantly” more that she could even imagine. Yes, her prayers changed. She knew that God would care for her in ways that were unimaginable. And he has . . .

It is now thirty years later, she has three adult children, all married, and four grandchildren. She continues to trust God with her life and he continues to provide in unimaginable ways. 

Read through Ephesians 3:14-20 again. Pause to absorb the majesty of these phrases. Avoid pathetic prayers and trust God to provide “exceedingly abundantly.” There is no better life.

“According to his riches in glory”

“Strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being”

“Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith”

“Rooted and grounded in love”

“Know the breadth and length and height and depth”

“Know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge”

“Filled with all the fullness of God.”