May 14th | God Can Do More Than All You Ask

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS 

GOD CAN DO MORE THAN ALL YOU ASK

Ephesians 3:20-21 “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! Amen.”   

The Greek wording is shorter than today’s devotional English words. Two Greek words mean that God can do all things. They focus you upon God’s attribute of omnipotence. God is able to do all things, above and beyond what any other in the universe is able to do. “ . . . with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) God is “almighty.” (Genesis 17:1) 

God, simply through speaking His words creates, sustains what He creates, and gives order to His creation according to His plan. God cares for all He has created knowing the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7.) He cares about sparrows, which are not on the radar of most individuals. (Luke 12:6-7.) He causes the rain to fall upon His creation (Matthew 5:45.) His creation is beyond anything anyone in this world can create (Matthew 6:25-34.)   

Peter therefore exhorts you to, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7) Then, in verse ten Peter’s words of assurance, “. . . the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10)  

Yes, God is “ . . . able to do immeasurably more than all (you) ask or imagine.” This is why the hymn writer encourages you to begin your day with the Lord asking Him to direct it for you. (LSB 869) And another hymn writer wrote the hymn of prayer, “Jesus, lead thou on . . .” (LSB 718) 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, renew and strengthen me daily in my faith and trust in the Almighty God. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

With the Lord begin your task; Jesus will direct it.  
For His aid and counsel ask; Jesus will perfect it.  
Ev’ry morn with Jesus rise, And when day is ended,  
In His name then close your eyes; Be to Him commended. 

Let each day begin with prayer, Praise, and adoration.  
On the Lord cast ev’ry care; He is your salvation.  
Morning, evening, and at night Jesus will be near you,  
Save you from the tempter’s might, With His presence cheer you. 

With your Savior at your side, Foes need not alarm you;  
In His promises confide, And no ill can harm you.  
All your trust and hope repose In the mighty Master,  
Who in wisdom truly knows How to stem disaster. 

If your task be thus begun With the Savior’s blessing,  
Safely then your course will run, Toward the promise pressing.  
Good will follow ev’rywhere While you here must wander;  
You at last the joy will share In the mansions yonder. 

Thus, Lord Jesus, ev’ry task Be to You commended;  
May Your will be done, I ask, Until life is ended.  
Jesus, in Your name begun Be the day’s endeavor;  
Grant that it may well be done To Your praise forever.  (LSB 869)