Abundantly, Exceedingly Above
In Pastor Tim’s sermon, “The ‘More’ We Are Looking For,” he used Ephesians 3: 19-20. I do not ever remember hearing, “exceedingly abundantly above”. It brought to mind the hope Mike and I had for years to sell our business so when the call came in we could not help but get excited. On the day of the meeting, I stayed home and prayed. I asked God if it was His will to open all the doors and let it be a no-brainer but if it was not His will then to slam those doors shut and do not let us mess up! Let us know one way or the other and it not be a stressful decision. The prayer was answered when the offer was a "no way!" At that time Mike's father died and we were very busy and moved on. About a week later Mike was called again. This time Mike asked our accountant to sit in with him and again I stayed home and prayed. I asked God, again, to show us without a shadow of a doubt what we were to do. I asked Him if it was His will to show off! If not, let it be another, “no way!”. I asked Him to give Mike the courage to ask for what he wanted. I will never forget that phone call from Mike and our accountant. They both had the giggles. God had showed off! But God kept showing off - showing us what He could do when we trusted Him to be in control. Mike was offered a job, wonderful insurance, and a new truck! God was going abundantly exceedingly above!!!
In the last few years I had been thanking God for what He was going to do with our business. Notice I said, “years”. It was God’s timing. I also did not ask for specifics because I have learned God can exceed my wildest expectations. No matter your circumstance. His blessings will be abundantly exceedingly above!
While I shared a story about “stuff”, God wants to bless us exceedingly abundantly above with His gifts. He wants us to know we have greater hope than we could ever think of! He wants our walk with Him to be exceedingly abundantly above anything we can imagine. I have prayed for healing and been healed abundantly exceedingly above! I not only lived to tell about it but He healed me emotionally - from thinking about it daily. He healed me spiritually - our relationship went to new levels! He showed me so much love that I cannot try to tell you how much I love Him! I love Him abundantly exceedingly above and I still cannot outlove God! We will never be able to out love or out give God!
I can share many stories about how God has blessed me during rough times. He gives me that peace that surpasses all understanding. Philippians 4: 7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” He doesn’t give us a little bit of peace. He gives us peace that makes no sense so we know it comes from Him.
Jeremiah 32: 17, “‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.’” Because I love creation and see God in it I like this scripture. There is truly nothing too hard for God. We can be reminded of that everyday! Look at how vast the ocean is, the billions of galaxies containing billions of stars or look how wondrous our bodies are made. All of this reminds us of how powerful our Creator is.
God wants us to ask Him to do what we cannot do on our own. God puts people in impossible situations to show His power and glory. Abraham and Sarah were physically well beyond the ability to conceive children. Sarah laughed at the idea that she would conceive. Genesis 18: 14, “Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” She did conceive Isaac - just like God promised.
God directed Moses and the Israelites to leave Egypt by a route that had the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptian army behind them. I am sure that seemed impossible! Exodus 14: 13, Moses told the panicked people, “… ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.’” Miraculously, the sea opened so the Israelites could pass through. The miracle did not stop there! God closed the sea over the Egyptian army! Nothing is impossible with God.
God is able to do far more abundantly beyond what we ask or think. We should pray for that which will further His Kingdom. God loves you exceedingly abundantly above anything you can imagine! Christ wants to bring your walk with Him beyond your wildest expectations!