“Now 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

As I was studying the topic of trusting in God’s power and His plan for us and for our church, I came across the following thoughts from Dr. David Jeremiah that I’d like to share with you:

Think about the first person to fly across the Atlantic, ride a rocket to the moon, or go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. They were no doubt nervous, but after assessing the risks, they decided to go for it.

The spiritual life also has risks – opportunities that challenge the status quo, our comfort zone, or the extent of our faith. What Christians have that other risk-takers don’t have is the promise that God is able to do “above all that we ask or think.” 

Take the apostle Paul, for example, on his second missionary journey into Asia Minor (today’s Turkey). He had no plan to cross the Aegean Sea and enter Europe (Macedonia), but the door opened (Acts 16:6-10). He had no contacts, no plans, no means—he had nothing except a commission from Christ to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. And faith in the God of “above and beyond” (Ephesians 3:20, CSB).

Chuck Swindoll agrees with this and writes:
“In vain I have searched the Bible, looking for examples of early believers whose lives were marked by rigidity, predictability, inhibition, dullness, and caution. Fortunately, grim, frowning, joyless saints in Scriptures are conspicuous by their absence. Instead, the examples I find are of adventurous, risk-taking, enthusiastic, and authentic believers whose joy was contagious even in times of full trial. Their vision was broad even when death drew near. Rules were few and changes were welcome. The contrast between then and now is staggering.“

Though something new may seem to be risky for us, if it’s God’s plan, it’s a sure thing!  Let us continue to pray with expectancy.