“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” (Eph. 3:20-21 NIV1984).
Have you ever experienced blessings from God that go above and beyond what you could possibly imagine? I have — countless times. When Tom and I were quite young, we had a financial need that looked unsolvable. Not knowing how our need could be met, God supplied in an amazing way. The next day, a check for $100 came in the mail from a lady in another town who had just been thinking about us. What a blessing! God’s provision came over and above what we could have imagined.
God has worked in our lives in so many other ways. Upon moving to Little Rock and needing employment, my name was given to an insurance agent. I was hired immediately, without him ever meeting or talking to me. That was another unexpected blessing! I could continue naming many other times when God bestowed blessings upon us that we could never have imagined. He still does that today. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want” (Psalm 23:1).
We are the recipients of God’s favor and protection in our spiritual and emotional needs, as well as our physical needs. His work far surpasses our human limitations. His power can accomplish anything that we cannot even envision.
Referring to cheerful giving, which God loves, Paul said, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8). His grace and mercy are boundless.
Have you ever applied for several jobs only to be rejected by all of them? You may not understand why God would not give you a much-needed job. Then the day came when you were offered a job that far exceeded anything you might have received elsewhere. God had something better for you all along. His timing is always perfect. It is important to practice patience and learn to trust Him in everything. Remember this: “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). His “riches” are inexhaustible and limitless. In telling us not to worry about what we eat, drink, or wear, Jesus said, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33).
A great example of abundant provision is found in 1 Kings 17. God told Elijah to go to the widow of Zarephath and ask for food and drink. Because of the extreme drought, the woman had only enough food for her and her son before they died. After the prophet assured her that she would be blessed, “she went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah” (1 Kings 17:15-16). Did God not go above and beyond the widow’s need? He did the same thing later when her son died, and through Elijah, God brought him back to life.
How has God worked in your life in a way that went far beyond what you could even imagine? He is worthy of being praised for all His bountiful and unlimited provisions.
