Above and Beyond

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

By way of design, I usually write these devotions and then end them with an appropriate passage of Scripture. But today, I’ve chosen to quote the passage first thing…

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 3:20-21

Will you do yourself a favor and reflect on those words for a moment or two, especially “able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think…” What an amazing description of the Lord’s ability to work in the life of a Christ follower!

But the truth is, we too often focus on what we want God to do around us, i.e. fix this problem, change that situation. If only He would do that, my life would be so much better. I believe with all my heart that He can change circumstances, but I also believe there is something bigger and better, He can change us.

Changing us is a matter of transformation from the inside out, and is typically a slow process; like a tree, it takes time to grow and mature its fruit. It takes time! That’s why we must exercise faith and patience. He is at work even when we don’t see immediate results. Why are we in such a rush anyway? God isn’t, and to top it off, He never gives up on growing us into the likeness of His dear Son, Jesus. 

God has a plan for your life and is working to achieve it, that’s true. But He also has an overarching goal — to conform every Christ follower to the image of Jesus Christ. That takes time and effort. It means living life with all its struggles and heartaches and, even when it doesn’t make sense to us, having complete confidence that God is doing exactly what needs to be done. 

Can you see it? The Lord is working in you. As you read His Word, look for the qualities He considers precious. Ask Him to transform you by working them out in your life. And then, be amazed at the realization that He is able to do “above and beyond” what you asked or imagined! 

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 3:20-21