Tearing off the gift wrap.

SCRIPTURE:   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, to him be glory…. Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

THOUGHT: We likely all have some recent experience with tearing off a little giftwrap. So, let’s do the same with God’s word through Paul today. Do you trust it? Is the Triune God really able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to his power that is at work within us?

I ask, not because I’m cynical, but by way of challenging us to think deeply about the words here and what they mean to our lives. I don’t want to miss one of the greatest promises in all of Scripture because I leave it wrapped up under a tree looking beautiful.

• Immeasurably = can’t be measured or calculated or estimated. Vast. Immense. Not finite. Has no end.
• More than we ask = We have an idea of what we want and need. God has an idea that is greater. Immeasurably greater.
• Or imagine = In our wildest imagination, even our sanctified imagination, we cannot reach the height or depth or breadth or width of God’s own imagination for how to solve and resolve and make all things new.
• According to his power = It’s not about us. It’s about who he is and our connection to him as his children.
• That is at work within us = It’s not about us, but it is within us. Jesus said to the grieving disciples, “it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you (John 16:7).” We have an advocate within us who is working for our good.

And we wonder sometimes why the gospel is called good news.

PRAYER: Oh Father God, help us stretch and grow in our ability to trust your immeasurable thoughts and actions toward us, your family. Help us not to just sit and look at your beautiful gifts, but open and use them!