Immeasurably More

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21

Do you ever feel like you are asking too much of God?

I’ve met a lot of people over the years who have expressed to me that they either feel like they are asking too much of God or don’t want to ask too much of Him. It usually sounds something like this.

Me, “Can I pray for you about this?” Person, “No, you don’t need to bother God with this.”
Me, “Have you asked God for help with this?” Person, “I’ve already asked Him for too much.”
Me, “We should pray about this.” Person, “Nah, I can handle this. There are lots of other people who need His help more than me.”

God Isn’t Us
The reason we may think like this is that we often think of God as being like us with the same attitudes and limitations like us. Behind these thoughts are one or both of two assumptions.

God is limited in His resources or can only pay attention to so many people at once.
God will get irritated if we keep asking for things.

We think this because that’s how we are. However, God isn’t like us. He isn’t limited like us. He isn’t selfish or easily angered like we can be.

Ephesians 3:20-21 tells us that not only can God handle anything we ask of Him, but He is able to do immeasurably more. In other words, you can’t even imagine how much God can and will do.

God knows our limits and our needs. He is the one who provides and sustains all things. He forgives our many, many, many sins. He works for the good of those who love Him and, of course, supplies all that we need for the mission He has given us as His Church. It’s His mission, after all!

So go ahead and ask.

Rather than limiting what we ask which either speaks too much of ourselves (I can handle this) or too little of God, ask freely, but ask with the understanding that God will give where He knows it is good.

He may not give us the winning Power Ball ticket because it may not be what is best for us. He will always forgive because that is always good and needed.

So, go ahead and ask…and trust that He will provide all that we need for life and salvation.

Heavenly Father,

You are Almighty God, Creator of all things, and able to do anything. You are also loving and generous. Forgive me for when I doubt Your ability or think too highly of myself. Please provide all that I need.

(Take a few minutes to ask for anything)

I ask these things, trusting that You will provide what is good and withhold what is not good. I ask not for my will, but that Yours be done.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt