20th
Don’t fishbowl God!
God is able!
Ephesians 3 is a great chapter when we stop and consider the words that Paul has used here. He reminds us that the mystery of the Messiah is the incredible grace and mercy of God to be found in Jesus. Through this, we are free to approach God, and be confident of our forigiveness and salvation. But Paul also prays for the Ephesians. He wants them to realise that God’s love for them is immense. In fact, no matter how big their picture of His love for them, in reality it is far bigger. And this is true of God in general.
In verse 8 Paul mentions “the unsearchable riches of Christ”, and again in verse 19 he describes God’s love as surpassing knowledge. Yet how often do we try and box God in. We stuff Him in to a view that is comfortable or convenient for us. We limit His potential to work in this world, in us, and in others, to what suits us. Just as a goldfish will only grow in size comparitive to the bowl you place it in, so our understanding of God will be limited by how we box in His ability in our minds. Look at how Paul finishes his description of God in praise:
“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!” - verses 20-21
No matter how big our prayers, no matter how grand our dreams, God can and will do more. And this power is at work even within us, transforming us daily into Christ-likeness.
So pray mighty prayers, and dream awesome dreams, and expect that God will still blow your mind and faith in Him.
