“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21
I love this Bible verse! It reminds me of a hint of the incredible power of God. He can do far more than we ask – or even think! Consider that for a moment! Really carefully consider it.
Personally, I’ve been reminded of the purpose of asking Him for things. Things within His will of course, but purposefully and intentionally making requests.
For instance, you might think that after writing 100+ blog posts that when I get a chance I just sit down and write one. Easy-peasy. Not typically! Every now and then I’ll have something specific to share, but typically I will sit down and before I begin, I will pray and ask God what He wants me to share. Sometimes I’ll begin to type without praying, but as I spin my wheels and feel that the content isn’t up to par, I’ll remember to pray. And as I pray, the post that I’ve written will typically transform into something different than what I was originally writing. Something much better!
Anyway the moral of that little story is to remind you to pray, to ask. It isn’t pestering God – especially when done in a “what would you consider best, Lord?” manner. Think about it – God is ever present. I believe He wants us to bring every little thing to Him, to let Him truly envelope every area of our lives! If He didn’t want that, doesn’t it seem that He wouldn’t make Himself always available?! He loves us dearly and He loves guiding us and blessing us! He loves it when we look to Him!
More than We Think
Going back to the verse I shared at the beginning, now that we know to ask God for things – for direction, for protection, for enthusiasm, a heart for Him, etc – not only can He do far more abundantly than what we ask, He can also do far more abundantly than what we think!
That is phenomenal to me! Rather hard to imagine or comprehend!
I think there can be an art to asking questions. A necessary careful consideration. Asking questions can open real opportunities, but to be the most effective you have to ask those questions intentionally, not haphazardly. I believe it takes a hint of calculated boldness to ask questions. And boldness does not come naturally to me. I am more the type to stand back and listen to see if I can glean the necessary information, rather than being eager to step up and ask.
But that is why this verse has stretched me. It has inspired me to learn how to ask questions. They don’t always come out perfectly, and every now and then they can leave me feeling a bit of a fool, but I have had an incredible opportunity to learn to be a bit more bold and confident and to ask tactful, helpful questions!
Ask Boldly
Now, consider how asking questions, making requests of those around us can be difficult. For one, I (typically) dislike being told no. I will not ask a question if I fear the answer is no (if I am wanting it to be yes). I’d rather not ask, then be told no.
(not that I go ahead and pursue what I fear I will be told no about. Rather I will just tell myself no and not bother to get another’s thought on the matter, It is easier to take no from myself)
This fear can limit my requests. I’m definitely trying to move past it, to pursue where I feel led bravely and take the “no” from another if necessary, but I am still a work in progress! When I let myself be limited in my requests, I can definitely feel limited in my thoughts. That is why it is crucial to be bold and intentional in your requests, in what you ask of God – so that your thoughts can also be abundance-oriented. After all, God is a God of abundance, of more-than-enough!
How can you put this incredibly inspiring Bible verse into play in your life, right here and now? Begin where you are! Perhaps you’re in the middle of laundry – thank God for His provisions and ask that He would make light your work so that you can do more of what He has for you to do! Maybe you’re going through finals and all you want is a break and a nap – thank God for this opportunity and ask that He would help you be alert and aware of you are learning so that you can be an excellent student for Him! And maybe you aren’t in the middle of things, life seems to move around you and you don’t know what you’re supposed to do with yourself – ask. Ask Him for direction and enthusiasm for what He has for you – and then take action.
He Always Answers
It never fails to amaze me, when we ask Him things, specific things, He always answers. Always. I’ve never known Him to fail. Pretty incredible, right?!
Now once you have made your intentional request, think high thoughts. Think best-case thoughts! Imagine yourself flying through the rest of laundry and having time to sit and play with your children, or perhaps drink a cup of tea while you read your Bible. Imagine receiving the grade on your finals: A+! Envision yourself pursuing an intentional, helpful and exciting life – no longer sitting back and feeling like your missing out. All these things can be real – and more! It all starts with you asking. Ask well, ask in a way that promotes God, that calls attention to Him, that brings glory to His name. Because when all is said and done, that should be the goal of His people. To bring glory to Him.
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Isn’t it amazing, when I sat down this morning to write this post I truly didn’t know what I would write about. And so I asked God – what would you have me write about, what encouragement do people need. In the end, this is what He put on my heart. Through it He encouraged me – and I truly hope that it encourages you too! Leave me a comment below or email me at hope@theamericanlady.com and let me know! In the meantime, you might enjoy this post too: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2017/03/31/be-prepared-and-be-patient/
I appreciate your invitation to study how to ask a question! Such a great idea! I will be anticipating seeing more of God in my days as I do just that!
I’m so glad! It is exciting to see God in the details, isn’t it?!
You know it is funny that you brought that up because we just discussed that in church last Sunday. Another thing I thought of when I was reading it is that it is also really important to thank God once it comes to pass. For instance I ask God almost every day to help me with my math and every time I don’t, it is really hard. But when I just ask He makes it so easy! But the problem that I have now is not remembering to ask, but remembering to thank after He helps me. After all don’t you say “thank you Mom for a good meal” so doesn’t it make just as much sense to say “thank you God for helping me today! You made it so clear to me.” An example of this is in the Bible when Hannah asks God for a child. Then when Samuel is weaned she takes him to the Lord at the temple and thanks God with a beautiful song of Thanksgiving!
I really like your posts, Aunt Jess!
P.s. auto correct thinks your name is Judy! 😄
That is so neat that you all were just discussing it! And I love what you added!! Yes, we should definitely thank God for His guidance and His answers! Such an excellent point! Remembering to look to God, to invite Him into the little details, makes such a difference, doesn’t it?! Thank you so much for sharing that! (and that is hilarious about auto correct!)