“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, forever and ever! Amen.” Eph. 3:20-21
Heavenly Father, meditating on this “glass-lifted toast” to you by Paul fills my heart with wonder, hope, and a desire to trust you more fully. Absolutely nothing will derail the advancing of the Gospel, the growth of your church, your work in our lives, or the arrival of the new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21:1-22:6). With you and your promises, the issue is never “if” but “when” fulfillment will come.
But we’re not naïve. Until the Day of all-things-new, Satan will continue his attacking, lying, and robbing. Really mature believers do drift, fall, and jump into really big messes. Churches do cool in their affection for Jesus, lose their focus on what really matters, and become in critical need of revival. Grateful for your promise to do “immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine,” here’s what we ask and imagine.
Father, restore us to our first-love relationship with Jesus (Eph.6:24; Rev. 2:1-7). In response to his incomparable love for us (Eph.3:18-19), may we love Jesus more than we ever have before. May we love Jesus more than our sin, more than our favorite people on earth, more than our next breath (Luke 14:26).
Dead bones can live again (Ezekiel 37). Chilly-hearted, cynical believers can dance again (Luke 15). Christians who have deeply hurt each other can heal and love well again. Churches can get unstuck, and become upward gazing and outward facing again. Father, for your glory, by your power, bring us into a fresh Gospel-renewal. We ask for it, imagine it, and trust you for it. So Very Amen.