“Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
(Ephesians 3.20-21, NET)
What a wonderful doxology (brief word of praise) to wrap up this first part of Ephesians. David Guzik writes that it brings together not only the preceding passage, but the first three chapters of the letter as we read it ¹. God is able to join people groups historically separated, to save humans from themselves, and to provide all we need to live a life of satisfaction and contentment.
For Paul to say that God is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think shows us just how high his view of God was. Paul had seen spectacular conversions, healings, miracles, and examples of steadfast determination in the face of trial. For him to say that God can do far beyond all of that communicates just how exceedingly and abundantly and amazingly powerful God is.
Considering all that Paul had seen God do and all that Paul had written to the Ephesians this brief word of praise comes at the perfect point. Considering the wonderful works of God should lead us, as it did for Paul, to pause and to praise: to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Think about for a moment how you have seen God move in your life.
Think of how He has been proven true to His Word.
Think of a time when He provided exceedingly and abundantly more than you even dreamed of.
Think of those times and join Paul is saying:
…to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
¹ – Enduring Word
James Travis 