Articles
Our Awesome God
“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” (Ephesians 3:20-21, NKJV).
We sing, “Our God Is an Awesome God”. There is nothing—literally nothing—that is impossible for Him (Luke 1:37). Just a simple pass through the Bible, we see God doing many amazing things. He directed Noah to build a boat, then sent a worldwide flood to judge the earth. He promised Abraham that he would have descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. The first child of that promise came from an older couple far past their prime. God directed Gideon to get rid of almost all his men before they went into battle against overwhelming odds. He sent fire to burn up the sacrifice and moat to reveal Himself to Elijah and the prophets of Baal.
The Gospels give us volumes of miracles. Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, cleansed lepers, and changed hearts. Wherever He went, His word and confirming miracles followed Him.
But what about now? What about us? First, if God wanted to work a miracle, He can. However, we most often see His non-miraculous providential work today. Jesus didn’t perform miracles just to entertain people. His miracles were to confirm Him as the Son of God. The works of God today cause us to stand in awe of Him. They make us wonder. He may not heal the flesh today, but He does heal the sin-sick soul.
God is still in the business of demonstrating His love and power. He works in people’s hearts. He restores the broken relationship of man with His Father. God’s power and purpose haven’t changed. He still can—and will—do far more than we can ask or think.
God can do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Eph. 3:20). Notice, He is able. That means He has the power. It also means He is willing. He takes ordinary people and makes them become the dwelling place of God. Therefore, according to His power and might, He can do through them immeasurably more than all they ask or imagine.
Let’s break that down. Do you believe that God, dwelling among His people, can do through us all that we ask? Let’s take it up a notch. Do you believe He is able to do all that we think? Because, you see, we think a whole lot more than we dare ask. Let’s take it up another notch. Do you believe God can do immeasurably more than we ask? Now, let’s take it to the top notch. Do you believe God can do immeasurably more than we dare imagine?
What are we talking about here? We’re talking about the building of God, His church—ordinary men and women who’ve been given access to Him. Therefore, He may do His will through us, even immeasurably more than we could ask or think. As a result, He is glorified in the church (verse 21). A church that believes in that kind of power, in a God who works like that among His people, can’t help but be alive.
Rickie Jenkins
