Joey Crandall
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
-- Ephesians 3:20-21
It is a subtle thing — what this text does not say.
It doesn’t say simply that God is able to do anything that we ask or think.
It says specifically that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.
As in, we can’t possibly begin to ask or think all that God is able to do.
We ask of God so often with certain answers of “yes” or “no” in mind. We ask of God with our specific ends in mind.
But God doesn’t work that way.
He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above. Always.
His ends are beyond our imagination.
It’s even more than that, though.
God already has done exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.
Starting even with giving us the ability to ask. And to think!
And He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more still.
God has only ever given with one end in mind -- from the beginning of time: Eternity with Him.
And He has provided already for forgiveness of our sin through His son, Jesus Christ.
The question, always with Him, is will you accept what He has already given?
The psalmist declares in Psalm 121: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help?” The question is answered directly in the next verse: “My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”
For the sojourner making their way to Jerusalem to worship in the temple, this is a song they would sing as they made their way up to the City on a Hill.
And understand it’s is not a simple marveling over God’s creation — “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills!”
It is an acknowledgement that God has made all things, including the way through the trials and obstacles we come across.
Even the ones that look utterly insurmountable — like mountains — to us.
Always.
God made heaven and earth.
He made you able to ask and think.
In whatever you are facing today — as you wonder how in the world you’ll ever get through it — understand this: Jesus is your help. Jesus is the Way that God has made through the impossible things you are facing.
He sees you where you are. And He loves you where you are.
Zephaniah 3:17 tells us that He is mighty to save you. That He rejoices over you -- yes you! -- with gladness. That He will quiet you -- keep you and give you peace -- with His love. That He will rejoice over you with singing.
He is able to exceedingly abundantly more than you can possibly imagine.
In that mountain you are facing today, dare to cry out, “Jesus, please be my help!”
Joey Crandall is the pastor of Calvary Chapel Carson Valley.
