Exceedingly Abundantly Above

Exceedingly Abundantly Above: Unlocking the Limitless Power of God's Grace

Have you ever felt that your prayers were too big, your dreams too audacious, or your problems too insurmountable for even God to handle? It's time to recalibrate our understanding of God's power and grace. The phrase "Exceedingly Abundantly Above" from Ephesians 3:20 offers us a glimpse into the unfathomable dimensions of God's ability to work in our lives.

The Mystery of God's Grace

Our journey begins with a profound truth: in Christ, we are new creations. This transformation is so radical, so complete, that it defies human explanation. It's the first "Exceedingly Abundantly Above" miracle in our lives. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

This newness isn't just a change in behavior or outlook. It's a fundamental shift in our spiritual position. We who were once "dead in trespasses" have been made alive with Christ, raised up, and seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:5-6). This elevated status transcends the physical realm, granting us access to a dimension of grace that operates beyond human limitations.

The Dimensions of God's Grace: No Impossibilities

In the realm of God's grace, impossibility doesn't exist. Whether it's creating something out of nothing, transforming the insignificant into the extraordinary, or defying natural laws, God's power knows no bounds. Think about it:

- A man with no ears suddenly growing them
- Five loaves and two fish feeding 5,000 people
- Samson slaying 1,000 soldiers with a donkey's jawbone
- David, a young shepherd, defeating the giant Goliath
- A woman past menopause conceiving triplets

These examples shatter our limited perceptions of what's possible. They remind us that God's ways are truly "past finding out." This understanding should revolutionise our prayer life and expand our expectations. God has given us an open cheque; we can ask for anything in faith, knowing that He is "able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20).

The Power of Knowledge and Faith

However, to operate in this dimension of "Exceedingly Abundantly Above," we need knowledge. Our understanding of God directly influences how we relate to Him and what we believe He can do in our lives. It's like a child in a store with their parent – the child's requests are limited by their perception of what the parent can afford. As they grow and understand more about their parents' resources, their requests become bolder.

Similarly, as we grow in our knowledge of God's character, power, and promises, our faith expands. We stop measuring God by the size of our problems and start measuring our problems by the size of our God.

The Unseen Realm of Thoughts

While we often focus on spoken prayers, Ephesians 3:20 reveals another dimension of God's grace – He responds not just to our words, but to our thoughts. This is a realm no human can access, yet God's grace operates here, exceeding even the expectations of our minds.

This truth challenges us to guard our thought life carefully. In every situation – whether facing illness, financial pressure, or career uncertainty – we're encouraged to align our thoughts with God's promises. As Philippians 4:8 instructs, we should dwell on whatever is true, honourable, right, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy.

The Method and Opinion of the Holy Spirit

The dimension of "Exceedingly Abundantly Above" isn't accessed through human effort or ingenuity. It operates "according to the power that works in us" – the Holy Spirit. This divine power is the method by which God works out His extraordinary plans in our lives.

This truth serves as a litmus test for discerning genuine moves of God. Miraculous healings that rely on superstitious practices, business success achieved through unethical means, or personal advancement at the expense of others – these cannot be attributed to the Holy Spirit's work. The "Exceedingly Abundantly Above" life aligns with God's character and brings glory to Him alone.

Moreover, this phrase reminds us that God's power works in accordance with His will and purpose. While we're encouraged to ask boldly, we must also seek His face to understand His will for our lives and specific situations.

Practical Application: Living in the "Exceedingly Abundantly Above"

1. Expand Your Knowledge: Dive deep into Scripture to grow in your understanding of God's character and promises. Let this knowledge fuel your faith and prayers.

2. Guard Your Thoughts: Practice positive, faith-filled thinking. When facing challenges, consciously direct your thoughts towards God's ability to exceed your expectations.

3. Cultivate Holy Spirit Sensitivity: Develop a close relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer, worship, and obedience. Learn to discern His leading in your life.

4. Pray Boldly: Don't limit your prayers based on what seems "reasonable." Ask big, believing that God can do immeasurably more.

5. Align with God's Will: While asking boldly, also seek to understand God's purpose. Sometimes, His "Exceedingly Abundantly Above" might look different from our expectations, but will always be for our ultimate good.

6. Testify and Give Glory: When you experience God's extraordinary work in your life, share your testimony. Let your story inspire others and bring glory to God.

As we embrace this "Exceedingly Abundantly Above" perspective, we open ourselves to a life of wonder, faith, and continuous amazement at God's grace. We begin to see beyond our limitations and catch glimpses of God's limitless power at work in and through us.

Remember, the God who spoke the universe into existence, who raised Christ from the dead, who transformed persecutors into apostles – this same God is at work in your life. He is not limited by your circumstances, your past, or even your own imagination. He is able to do far more than all we ask or think.

So today, lift your eyes. Expand your expectations. And step into the realm of "Exceedingly Abundantly Above," where God's grace knows no bounds and His power knows no limits.