“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Power that works in us. . .”
Ephesians 3:20
He’s everything we need and more—and so is His Supply.
“Exceeding abundantly.”
Superlatives are an integral part of our vocabulary, although so many abuse and misuse them nowadays (e.g., cloudier vs. more cloudy). Yet, their use is intended to give us some means of comparison to something that currently exists or previously existed.
Yet, today’s Manna is really not a comparative statement; it’s a definitive one. Simply put, the Apostle Paul reminds us that the same One Who “dwells in our hearts by faith”—the Lord Jesus Christ (v.17a)—is also the One “Who is able to do.” And, because of His omnipotence, we realize there’s nothing He cannot do and the only limitations to that Power are Self-imposed (e.g., “He cannot lie”—Heb. 6:18; He will not vacillate—James 1:17).
Simply put, He is faithful and trustworthy.
And, to reinforce this Reality Paul adds the descriptive adverbs “exceeding abundantly above.” The Greek word “huper” is used for “exceeding” and basically means “over and above, well beyond, superior to, far more, etc.,” while “huperekperissou” is used for “abundantly above” and also means “superabundant, excessive, preeminence, beyond measure, etc.”
Thus, it’s the picture of the Heavenly Father’s “Eternal extravagance”—i.e., His “lavish Love” that goes far beyond “all that we ask or think.” And, He knows that we need that. . .for, too often, our thoughts toward Him are lowly, not lofty. From birth our natural minds are hostile toward Him (Rom. 8:7), preferring to blame Him instead of blessing Him. And, that’s why we must continually seek to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds” (Rom. 12:2) as we “cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God as we bring every thought under Christ’s control” (II Cor. 10:5).
Now, we should not confuse our “exceeding abundantly above” God with some senile, doting grandfather-figure who’s constantly buying more dolls or dresses than his little granddaughter could ever use. No, sometimes He gives us what we need rather than what we want (e.g., II Cor. 12:7-10). However, so often “we have not because we ask not” (James 4:2b), which reflects more on us than it does the “Giver of every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17a).
It’s also important for us to note how He does this: “According to the Power that works in us.” Dear Pilgrim, the Greek word used here for “power” is “dunamis,” which is always used for God’s miraculous “Resurrection Power.” And, when we realize that same Power is operational within us after the new birth because of Jesus’ Presence, we shouldn’t hesitate to expect or attempt great things from God—for He has promised such (Jn. 14:12-14). Therefore, why not pause right now to praise Him and present your petitions to Him with thanksgiving(Phil. 4:6)? Then, pray in faith and know He’ll do “exceeding abundantly above what you think or ask.”
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated September 19, 2010