The Importance of Prayer: Approaching the Throne of GraceSample

Far Beyond All You Ask or Think

Read: John 1:16; Ephesians 3:20–21

SOAP: John 1:16; Ephesians 3:20

For we have all received from his fullness one gracious gift after another.

Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think.

Into the text

God has given us incredible blessings through Christ. We have been given many gracious gifts out of the fullness of who Christ is, the Son of God. Not only that, the gifts He continues to give us are far beyond all we can ask or think. He not only gives us these incredible gifts, but He answers our prayers in ways that are far beyond all we can comprehend. God gifts us generously of Himself. He gave us His Son, His Spirit, His love, and His presence.

Out of the abundant gifts God has given us, we are also called to have a generous heart. We are to share all that we have been given with others. When we give, when we live a generous life, our lives reflect the generosity of our God. God is glorified when we give out of the abundance He has given us. That does not always mean money, time, or talents: we can give compassion, grace, patience, love, and joy to others out of the overflow of what we have been given through Christ.

Sacrificial giving of our love, prayers, money, time and talents shows how we trust that the Lord will continue to provide for our every need. When we hold on to our resources and blessings, we limit what God will do for us. When we are generous with what is God’s anyway, we leave room for Him to surprise us, to go above and beyond, and to give us more than we can ask or think.

Are there any areas of your life where you can reflect God’s generosity? Will you ask God today to help you trust that He will replenish all you give away?

Prayer

Father God, You are my generous Provider. Lord, forgive me when I withhold from You and Your people. Lord, forgive me when I allow doubt and fear to prevent me from giving You my all, from sacrificing and sharing. Thank You, Lord, for continuing to pour over and over into my life despite my failings and my apprehension. Thank You for giving everything to me generously, selflessly, and unconditionally. In Jesus’ name, amen.