Ephesians 3:20,21 — Conversations with God

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.

Father, I’ll admit it…I think small.  If Jesus had told me to feed the 5,000 I would have done what the disciples did and have failed to see the possibilities with Jesus there.  But I’m also afraid to think big.  When I have had an occasion to try believing  something big and it didn’t turn out I’ve felt disappointment and foolish for expecting something so outrageous and it not happening.

I’m helped by Paul’s admission (he does include himself in the “we,” right God?) that he asks less of You than You are able to do.  I take from his words that he believed You were more than willing to do beyond what we ask or think.  That encourages me.  I have seen You demonstrate this on more than one occasion, but I still struggle to trust You.  I’m sorry.

I know that in the context Paul is immediately referring to Your ability to reveal Your love for us and generate our love for one another and fill us to Your fulness.  It seems impossible to me at times that such rich love and unity within the church is going to occur.  But Paul is urging me to think big.

So help me think big (or at least bigger) about unity and love right in my own congregation (with maybe a little left over for the rest of the church worldwide).  Help me think bigger about all You want to accomplish in Your world.  And, of course, answer this prayer even beyond what I was able to ask or think.

To You be the glory!