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Passage: Eph 3
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Eph 3, NIV)-emphasis added
The thoughts and ways of God are much different, much above ours
What we ask or imagine is in the physical, earthly realm
What God gives, is according to the heavenly realm, according to His riches!
The highest and the best in the earthly don’t match up to the lowest in the heavenlies. But man may not appreciate God’s best and vice-versa
25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. (1 Cor 1, NIV 84)
15 He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight. (Luke 16, NIV 84)-emphasis added
Abraham obeyed God and left his kith and kin and became a pilgrim, all as God told him to do. But one day, Abraham asked God a question, which was O.K to ask:
2 But Abram said, “O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit[c] my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” (Gen 15, NIV 84)
God was not mad at this no-mad Abraham, for asking that question; the only problem was that Abraham wanted a heir, an owner for his inheritance. But God’s plan for Abraham was way bigger than that. God wanted an entire nation to come out of Abraham.
4 Then the word of the LORD came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” (Gen 15, NIV 84)
All that Abraham wanted was just a son; that is how short-sighted he was, in respect to God. But God promised him offspring like the stars in the sky. No one has finished counting them yet…!
What a difference between Abraham’s asking and God’s giving!
When we ask to God about material things, job related things and other little things for ourselves, always remember that God sees us through Christ’s body, the Church, which is His family. We better get that view/perspective of God
So, when we ask God for something, ask for the one that will also benefit God’s work/plan
God exalted Joseph; but he was there also to become a blessing to Israel
We need to get out of our selfish, narrow vision. Our life, job, family should make sense to God. When we have to choose between two jobs, see if one of them brings more glory to God than the other, instead of just looking at the perks alone. When we choose a place to live, do the same thing
May God who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, give you a blessed day
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your promise of all that is heavenly, for us as our inheritance. Forgive me for having a very narrow, short-sighted vision. Please brighten my eyes to see things as you see them Lord. Amen