A Journey Through Ephesians…3:20-21

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

This weekend, my oldest son and I watched such an INCREDIBLE movie. We rented, The Jesus Revolution, a film telling the true story of what some historians have named the greatest spiritual awakening in American history. In short, a traditional 1970’s pastor of a small church in Southern California reluctantly opened the doors of his church to a charismatic street preacher and a stream of his wandering hippie friends. The ripple effect was exponential.

I was fixed on the screen for a solid two hours. Watching the truth of Ephesians 3:20-21 unfold before my eyes. One man, Pastor Chuck Smith, had a reluctant “yes”…. Lonnie Frisbee had a wild passion for Jesus…. And together the Lord brought glory to Himself through HIS MIGHTY POWER at work within them. God accomplished infinitely more than they could have imagined. You should watch it TODAY. So good.

I love Ephesians 3:20. I quote it and pray it often. It is the staple Scripture I have spoken over my business and ministry for a decade. But I must be careful. The phrasing of Paul’s words lends to the temptation of praying prideful motives or selfish gain.

It does not read…. “Now all glory to Becky...”

Or “Glory to Him in the Church and in Becky Crenshaw”

NOR does it read, “God is able through Becky’s power and hard work.”

Paul’s prayer for God to do abundantly beyond what we ask or think is not just a prayer for physical miracles, but rather for Christ to dwell in the hearts of believers so that we may comprehend His great love for us and grow to complete spiritual maturity. We just came off an entire passage asking God to reveal the expansive nature of His agape love for us, right?

So think of it this way…. what could God accomplish in us if we were fully empowered with inner strength through his Spirit and Christ was at home in our hearts?! Imagine our roots grown down into God’s love keeping us strong. Ephesians 3:16-17. Imagine us 100% sold out for Christ and our life mission was for Him to accomplish “infinitely more” through us than we could ask or think. FOR HIS GLORY.

We too might start revivals and mass baptisms in Southern California. Or maybe we change the lives of some introverted teenagers in youth group. Or maybe we make new neighbors feel more at home in a new city by inviting them over and sharing a meal.

Simple beginnings can have immeasurable impacts.

“Immeasurably more” can look big. Or it can look small. But here is what I know…. God’s (dynamis) power is at work within you so… the sky is the limit because He has none.

God just needs a “yes.” And it can be a reluctant one. I think He is ok with that.

So while I want to turn this post into us asking God for immeasurably more miracles, signs and wonders, let’s start by asking Him what He might want to accomplish through us for HIS GLORY for HIS KINGDOM.

The miracles, signs and wonders just might follow.

Suggested Prayer:

Father, I ask you, who is able, through Your mighty power at work within me, to accomplish infinitely more than I might ask or think for Your glory – I want to hear from You, Lord, and know how You might use me for Your sake to impact all generations forever and ever. My answer is “yes.” In Jesus Name, Amen.