Beyond Our Wildest Dreams!
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 3:14-21
[God] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine ... Ephesians 3:20
In the early years of my ministry I had the opportunity to attend a church-growth seminar in southern California. I went with lots of questions about myself, about the church, and about my place in it. I went expecting very little. The first night we were there, I was assigned to a small group that studied Ephesians 3:20-21. The group leader read from the Living Bible:
"Now glory be to God who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of--infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes."
That text changed my outlook and my attitude about myself and about the church. It has become the verse I have turned to for encouragement more than any other in the Bible.
The entire passage reads like a song of praise. The apostle Paul prays that God may strengthen us with power in our inner being and fill us with all his fullness. Paul wants us to experience God's power in our lives and in our church.
If for some reason you are discouraged about yourself or your church, turn to the Lord and ask him to fill you with all his fullness and to show you and your church that he is able to do far more than you could ever ask or imagine.
Father in heaven, thank you for reminding us that your power is without limit. Please fill us with your power, and work in us to trust in you completely. In Jesus' name, Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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