7. Gods Ability
7. Gods Ability
“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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” [Ephesians 3:20-21]
Listen, I can imagine a lot and I am shameless enough to ask big of God. And I have looked at the dimensions of Gods limitless creation and can see the power and authority of a God who is able, no doubt. Galaxies light years apart, stars burning with never ceasing, seemingly limitless power. Infinite microscopic complexity, miraculous conception of life formed from the dust and breath of a God who is able. Let’s be honest, God’s not the problem.
But a problem remains, there is a disconnect between this limitless power and ability with our daily lacking and limitations. We begin to wonder if God is able in our lives. Maybe that is not the right question, maybe we should search our own hearts and see if there is a way we are dishonoring God. We all face trials and go through need, but in the midst of the trial and need we can feel like God is not able to work in our specific situations. But the reality is, if we are honest, we are the problem. For we read and believe in faith that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than all we ask, seek or imagine. To God be the glory in Christ Jesus.
- Is the disconnect that we don’t believe he is really able? “He could not do any miracles there…And he marveled at their unbelief” [Mark 6:5-6]. Jesus was amazed at their unbelief. Are we people of unbelief and lacking faith?
- Are you honoring your Father and Mother? “Honor your father and mother that it may go well with you” [Exodus 20:12]. Are we not honoring our parents? The word says if we don’t it will not go well for us.
- Is there relational conflict effecting our relationship with God? “If you are offering a gift at the alter and remember that your brother or sister has something against you…”. [Matthew 5:23-24]. Stop and be reconciled to them. We cannot truly worship God while we know there is an unresolved relational issue.
- Is there something between you and Jesus? “Jesus said to him, sell everything you have and give it to the poor…then come follow me. When the young man heard this he went away sad for he was really rich”. [Matthew 19:16-23]. What is preventing us from being all in following Jesus.
Scripture Reference:
[Ephesians 3:14-21]
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Discussion Questions:
Take a moment to Answer these questions in your journal about what might be hindering your ability to receive from God.
1. Do you really believe that Good is able to answer your prayers. Are you really asking in belief you shall receive?
2. How are you doing honoring your Father and Mother? What may be preventing you from really honoring them?
3. What might be hindering you from going all in with Jesus?
Assignment:
Take a moment to write in your journal what Ephesians 3:14-21 is saying to you about depths of God’s riches towards you and his ability to meet your needs. Use this journaling technique as a guide.
STAR
S – Scripture Read: Read the Scripture
T – Thought Conveyed: What is it saying to you?
A – Application Made: How do you apply this scripture to your life?
R – Response Given: Respond back to God with a prayer