More Than We Could Ever Imagine
God’s power within us flows far beyond what we can ask or imagine, like an endless fountain of abundance.
Devotional Credit: In Christ by E. Stanley Jones
Photo Credit: Unsplash
E. Stanley Jones reflects on Paul’s closing words in Ephesians 3:20-21, showing us that the climax of redemption is not our effort but God’s unlimited power at work within us. Paul’s prayer ends with a doxology that leaves nothing more to add: God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or even imagine. Jones emphasizes that this truth is not about what God might do around us, but about His power working within us. Our cooperation does not create that power, but when we yield, His hands are free to give without limit.
Jones draws attention to Paul’s language. He stacks words in a way that defies our measuring: all that we ask, all that we think, more than all we ask or think, far more, and then far more abundantly. Words tumble over each other until they fall silent in worship. This is not doctrine in theory, but life in reality. We stand before a God whose ability outpaces our imagination, and our response can only be wonder, love, and praise.
This abundance, however, is not meant to inflate our self-centered wishes. The glory of God is always in view. Paul’s final ascription is that glory belongs to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever. We are reminded that as long as we remain in Jesus, God is glorified. Our calling is not to chase after blessings but to stay in Him, and in doing so, God’s greatness shines.
Jones helps us see that the Christian life is simplified in this reality. We are not scattered across endless duties. We have one: to abide in Jesus. In that abiding, every resource of heaven is open to us, every impossibility is swallowed up in God’s abundance, and every act becomes worship to His glory.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, My power within you is not limited. It is I who work in you, both to will and to do for My good pleasure. Do not measure your life by your asking or your thinking, for I am able to do far more than you imagine.
I have placed you in My Son, and in Him you have every spiritual blessing. As you yield, My power is expressed. When you abide, My glory is revealed. I have not called you to strive after greatness but to remain in union with Me. In that place of rest, you will see abundance beyond your expectation.
The glory is Mine, yet I delight to reveal it in you and through you. The church becomes My testimony in the world when My people rest in Jesus and allow My Spirit to live through them. This is not complicated. It is simple, for your one calling is to stay in Christ. From that center, everything else flows.
Scripture References: Ephesians 3:20-21, Philippians 2:13, Colossians 1:27, John 15:4-5, Ephesians 1:3, Philippians 4:19, 2 Corinthians 9:8, John 10:10, Romans 11:36, Colossians 3:17.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a water faucet connected to a main supply line. The faucet itself does not create water. It only releases what is already there when the valve is open. If the valve is turned, the water flows abundantly. In the same way, God’s life is not limited. The flow is always present in Jesus. As we yield, His life is expressed without measure.
Today, when I face something that feels beyond my ability, I can quietly rest and say, “Lord, I trust You to live through me in this moment, releasing Your life where mine ends.” In that surrender, His abundance flows freely, and His glory is revealed.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that Your power within me is able to do more than I could ever ask or imagine. I rejoice that my life is not measured by my strength but by Your sufficiency. I rest today in the simplicity of abiding in Jesus, knowing that as I yield, You express Your abundance and bring glory to Yourself through me.