EPHESIANS 3:20

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 PONDER

The commonly used term in the English language, "I got more than I bargained for" is an idiomatic expression. When used today, the expression commonly takes a figurative form, usually highlighting a negative perspective.  That is, it is used to highlight the unexpected challenges or consequences that came with something that one wanted badly and often has worked hard to achieve. Whilst the expression acknowledges the receipt of the desired something, a figurative focus is on the additional or unknown and unwanted responsibilities, effort, workload, pressures and the ramifications that often only become apparent after the desired event occurs for the individual.

As Christian's, we always literally get more than we bargain for in our relationship with Jesus. However, it's in an incredibly positive sense.  Even Jesus' very first disciples who had hoped and believed He was the Messiah and would overthrow the Roman reign, got so much more than what they had hoped for! Praise be to God.  

Jesus' Easter resurrection is our absolute living proof of His acts of love and His power as well as evidence for us that He can do immeasurably more than all we ask or anything we feeble humans can imagine. Jesus didn't rise from the tomb, then return to His Father in heaven and leave the human-race to battle on until His second coming. No fear, He went ahead into Galilee passing on the message to the angel and the women who came to the tomb early on the third day, that He was alive and would meet up with His followers there. We were reminded of this message across our LifeWay worship sites on Easter Sunday. Jesus is indeed our living Saviour and continues to walk ahead of us, calling us to follow Him.

Just like Jesus personally chose His first day followers, we too have also been individually chosen by Him. As brothers and sisters in Christ then, we can be assured that with Jesus living in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, that if we pray that His will be done, that He will achieve so much more than we could ever imagine through us, to grow His earthly Kingdom. 

Hence, we should not be restricted by our human limitations but instead be bold and not hesitate in what we bring to the Lord and ask of Him. God will surprise us with what He achieves through us if we let Him. We can be certain of getting so much more than we bargain for as His disciples. Lord, let Your will be done. 

PRAYER: Awesome God. Forgive my human limitations that restrict me from realising Your full potential as You work within me. Help me to grow in my faith and willingly hand over my life to you so that I can be bold and let You do immeasurable works through me.  Amen 

Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping