Whenever I go on a road trip, I always stop at the same place: Chick-fil-A. I know that the food will be tasty, the service will be consistent, and that my overall experience there will be pleasant. One of the reasons why many gravitate toward Chick-fil-A is because Chick-fil-A emphasizes second-mile service. Second-mile service goes beyond what is expected. For example, at Chick-fil-A, team members have been known to walk around from table to table, offering refills and anything else that might be needed. Chick-fil-A team members serve in a way that is beyond what is generally expected at a fast-food restaurant. Any experience that is better than we could imagine leaves us encouraged and empowered. This is especially true when it comes to our faith.
God always surprises us by doing more than we could expect or imagine. The apostle Paul ended his prayer in Ephesians 3 by saying, "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think" (verse 20). Indeed, God is always working in ways beyond our imagination. In fact, He works through us in ways we could never even think to ask Him to work.
How have you seen God work in your life in unexpected ways? Maybe He placed you in just the right place at just the right time to share the hope of Christ with someone in need. Maybe He used your talents and gifts to help those in need. Maybe He gave you the boldness to share your faith in a way that you never expected. God is always at work, and I am confident that He has worked in your life in ways you could have never imagined. My friend, He is still at work and working. He is doing things through you and in you that you could not even think to ask for.
How might you live differently if you truly believed that God is working in your life to accomplish more than you could imagine? Would you be more bold when it came to standing up for your faith in Christ? Would you take more risks and serve at Sagebrush even if you feel a little unqualified? Would you tell someone about Jesus who you would never expect to place their faith in Him? It is time that we believe the words of Paul in Ephesians 3:20 that God can “accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
Paul could not help but praise God for the work He does in our lives that we could never imagine. The truth found in the Scripture we studied today compels us to praise Him, too. Make plans to worship and praise God, who does more than we could dream possible through us, at one of our weekend services. We cannot wait to see you there!
When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles . . . 2 assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. 3 As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. 4 As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. 5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.
6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. 7 By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.
8 Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. 9 I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.
10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. 13 So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.
Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth
14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
