As a child, I remember being told, “you sure do ask a lot of questions.” At the time, it was hard to know if that was a good thing, or not. At age 65, I still find myself asking a lot of questions. Some years ago, I began a more conversational style of prayer. Over time, I learned that God never grows tired of me asking Him things, and that He is always faithful to respond. Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” This led me to believe that God desires for us to ask and imagine more.
In the first three chapters of the book of Ephesians, Paul reminds believers of the many blessings we've given. In the midst of the letter, he prays for us to receive wisdom and revelation, and to understand the hope and the power that we have in Christ. Essentially he is telling us what we've become. In the last three chapters, Paul goes on to give believers some very practical instructions on how to live out this new life in Christ. The transitional verse between these two themes is Ephesians 3:20. In the midst of understanding who we are and what we are to do, the Bible tells us that God, "Is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine." Again, maybe God wants for us to ask and imagine more, with an expectation that He will provide greater wisdom and greater vision. God, the creator of all things has made us in His likeness. He has given us an incredible imagination, and He desires for us to be creative people. As we walk alongside God through this amazing and often puzzling world, He wants us to talk to Him, ask Him questions, seek His Kingdom. This is the abundant life Jesus and Paul spoke of. When our minds are fixed on God, our imagination is ignited, and He gives vision where once there was none. When we ask God for direction or understanding, He is faithful to instruct, guide, comfort, and more.
I wonder if we’re asking enough, and asking with an expectation for an answer. Is it possible to ask God a wrong question? Probably, but I am confident God would patiently and lovingly let us know. I wonder if we need to imagine more. The deeper philosophical root of the word imagination according to AI is, “implies a self-reflexive ability to form mental concepts of things not actually present to the senses.” Maybe we should be asking God to help us imagine “immeasurably more” than what we’re currently asking, or imagining. The key is being connected to the Almighty. Because the second part of Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that it is only possible by, “His power that is at work within us.” And verse 21 says it’s all for God’s glory. “To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” God is glorified when His children seek His face. When we ask Him for direction, and when we use our God given imagination for His Kingdom.
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