Key Bible Reference
- Ephesians 3:20 (King James Version): “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
- Ephesians 3:20 (New Living Translation): “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
- Context: The Apostle Paul wrote this as part of a doxology (a short hymn of praise to God) concluding his prayer for the church in Ephesus, emphasizing that God’s power works actively within believers to fulfill purposes beyond human imagination.
Related Biblical Examples of Exceeding Expectations
- The Healing at the Beautiful Gate (Acts 3:2–8): A man lame from birth sat at the temple gate expecting only a few coins from Peter and John, but instead received total physical healing.
- The Feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13–21): Jesus took a small boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish and not only fed a massive crowd, but also collected twelve baskets of leftovers.
- Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 15; Romans 4:18–21): God promised an elderly, childless couple descendants as numerous as the stars, fulfilling a family legacy far past natural expectations.
Where do we start??? Adam and Eve? Like us they were here on Earth – God visited with them:
The Biblical Narrative
- Creation: God formed Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him, later creating Eve from Adam’s rib to be his companion.
- The Visit / Fellowship: In Genesis 3:8, the text describes God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, a passage many Christian traditions interpret as a habit of direct fellowship and communion with them before the Fall.
Abram and Sarai: God as a friend spoke and walked with Abraham: In biblical and religious tradition, Abraham is uniquely referred to as the Friend of God (an idea highlighted in James 2:23 and 2 Chronicles 20:7.
Key Moments of Divine Friendship and Communication
- Walking with God & Visits: Scripture describes God appearing to Abraham and having close, personal communion with him—most notably near the oaks of Mamre in Genesis 18, where the Lord and two angels appeared to him.
- Sharing His Plans: In Genesis 18:17, God expresses the intimacy of the relationship by asking, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” before revealing His intentions regarding Sodom and Gomorrah.
- Bold Intercession: True to a close friendship, Abraham openly and boldly negotiates and intercedes with God on behalf of the righteous people in Sodom, speaking with candor and trust.
- The Foundation of Faith: Abraham’s friendship with God was rooted in deep trust, obedience, and belief, which God credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6; James 2:23).
The Spirit of God descended upon Man and testimonies thrived:
The Old Testament Foundation
While the physical descent like a dove occurs in the Gospels, the concept of the Spirit of God resting upon a chosen individual is deeply rooted in the Old Testament:
- Prophecy: Isaiah 11:2 foretold that “the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him”—the spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and might.
- Empowerment: In the Old Testament, the Spirit of God (
Ruach) temporarily came upon judges, kings, and prophets (such as Moses, David, and Saul) to equip them for specific divine tasks or leadership.
God freely gives wisdom to anyone who asks Him in faith without finding fault or reproach, as promised in James 1:5.
Key Truths About Asking God for Wisdom
- The Promise: According to Bible Gateway, if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, and it will be given to them.
- God’s Character: God gives generously, liberally, and abundantly to all people. He does not scold, shame, or reproach anyone for asking.
- The Condition: Scripture encourages asking in faith with a steady heart rather than a divided or doubting attitude.
- Application: You can turn to God for guidance through every trial, decision, relationship challenge, or daily need.
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