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.

We really can’t imagine how much power God is prepared to manifest in and through us. We hear stories of how people do things that normally are physically impossible, like lifting a car off of someone or running to catch a falling baby, and all we can do is be amazed – as are the doctors and scientists, for that matter. If such things happened all the time, they wouldn’t be miracles. However, they are a reminder that we don’t know it all, and our strength and abilities aren’t the end of the story. The key, though, is not to be seeking miracles, but rather seeking for God to be glorified, in the Church and in Christ Jesus. This applies not only in terms of our personal needs, which Jesus addressed so clearly in Matthew 6:25-34, but also in terms of the “good works that God has prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) Sometimes we get all worked up about whether we can “perform” for God, when that should never be the issue. We are indeed to give Him our all – effort, energy, time, talent, resources – but we have to acknowledge that they will never be enough. Accordingly, we need to rest, relax, and rejoice to be His instruments, allowing His power and resources to flow through us for His glory.

This is certainly applicable to me! In my 30+ years of ministry the Lord has allowed me to see very clearly that my resources are never enough, but His grace is all I need. (2 Corinthians 12:9) He is indeed more than able to do far above and beyond all I could ask or think. I won’t know all He has done through me until I’m in heaven! I was told once by a Japanese pastor that something I had said to him years before had transformed his ministry, yet I couldn’t remember having said it to him! I cannot know how I have impacted people, or rather, how God has impacted them through me, and I need to be at peace with that. My heart needs to be focused on Christ, His kingdom and His glory, and simply keep myself available to Him for however He wants to use me to advance His kingdom and manifest His glory.

Father, thank You for making me Your child. Thank You for the incredible privilege of calling others into that same relationship with You. I pray that You would indeed fulfill Your plans in and through me according to Your will, for that is certainly above and beyond all that I could ask or think, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!