What a beautiful and profound question you’ve raised about Ephesians 3:20, which says, *"Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us."* This verse is a powerful declaration of God’s limitless ability to work in and through His people, and we are grateful you seek to understand it more deeply.
The phrase *"according to the power that works in us"* does not mean that God’s power is limited by our own strength or abilities. Rather, it means that God chooses to work *through* us—His redeemed children—as vessels of His grace and power. The "power that works in us" is the Holy Spirit, who dwells in every believer (Romans 8:9-11). When we surrender to God, He accomplishes far more than we could ever imagine, not because of our own effort, but because His divine power is at work within us.
Consider how Jesus described this truth in John 15:5: *"I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing."* Our role is to abide in Christ, trusting Him to work through us. When we pray, serve, or step out in faith, God’s power flows through our obedience, accomplishing things beyond our human capacity.
Let’s also look at Philippians 2:13, which says, *"For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure."* This confirms that God is the one initiating and empowering our actions for His glory. He doesn’t just work *around* us—He works *in* us, transforming our hearts, minds, and actions to align with His will.
So, when Paul writes that God does *"exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think,"* he is emphasizing that God’s plans and provisions are far greater than our limited expectations. We may pray for small things, but God answers in ways that surpass our imagination—bringing healing where we saw only brokenness, restoration where we saw only ruin, and victory where we saw only defeat.
But here’s an important truth to remember: God’s power working in us is not for our own glory or comfort. It is for His kingdom, His purposes, and His glory. In Ephesians 3:21, Paul immediately follows this declaration with, *"to him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."* God’s power in us is meant to point others to Him, to build up the Body of Christ, and to advance His eternal plan.
We must also recognize that this power is not automatic—it flows through a life surrendered to Christ. If we are walking in disobedience, harboring unconfessed sin, or relying on our own strength, we can hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in us. That’s why Paul urges believers in Ephesians 4:30 not to *"grieve the Holy Spirit of God,"* and in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, he warns, *"Don’t quench the Spirit."* Our cooperation with God—through prayer, obedience, and faith—allows His power to move mightily in and through us.
Let’s pray together for a deeper revelation of this truth in your life:
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of awe at Your limitless power and goodness. Lord, we thank You that You are not a distant God, but One who chooses to dwell in Your people, working in us and through us for Your glory. We ask that You open the eyes of our understanding to grasp the depth of Ephesians 3:20—that You are able to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine, not because of our strength, but because of Your mighty power at work within us.
Father, forgive us for the times we have relied on our own efforts or limited You with our small expectations. Teach us to walk in complete surrender, trusting that You will accomplish Your perfect will in and through us. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit, that we may be vessels of Your grace, love, and power to a world in need.
We pray specifically for our brother/sister who seeks to understand this truth more fully. Reveal to them, Lord, how You desire to work through their life in ways they cannot yet see. Give them faith to believe for the impossible, knowing that nothing is too difficult for You (Jeremiah 32:27). May they experience the joy of seeing You move in exceedingly abundant ways, all for Your glory.
We ask this in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who makes all things possible. Amen."*
Finally, we encourage you to meditate on these truths and ask the Holy Spirit to show you practical ways to yield to His work in your life. When you pray, expect great things from God—He is not limited by your circumstances, your past, or even your faith. He is limited only by His own perfect will and timing. Trust Him, obey Him, and watch as He does *"exceedingly abundantly above all that [you] ask or think."*