“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3.20-21
I can not tell you how many times I have quoted this verse in my own life. It’s been such an encouragement to me. When Paul wrote it to the early church he had no idea how it would bless and give hope to so many people. He didn’t write it thinking, “I hope Rusty enjoys this two thousand years later in Texas while he’s continuing to spread the Gospel of Christ!”
However, God knew. The Lord knew that you and I would read and reread this verse, claiming it as our own and giving God thanks for his promise to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”
I’m just going to tell you this week at Revive Youth Camp (revivetexas.org) was pretty earth shattering for me. I’ve conducted at least 300 camps and retreats in twenty years, which adds up to thousands of times of worship. And yet, God did more this weekend. He brought a ministry team with particular spiritual gifts which blessed us incredibly. This team, namely their daughters, have been given the gift of what I would call “spiritual sight.” They see into the realm of the spiritual — angels and demons. Its not a gift I see often, but its one I affirm in scripture. And it’s one which really blessed by life.
As Paul affirmed that God is the one who can “immeasurably more.” He says that he does this through his power at work “within us.” Which means, when God does incredible work, he does it with us and through us by the power of his Holy Spirit. God wants to reach all people and Gen Z needs revival as much as any generation. Revive is a ministry for Gen Z and whereas my vision, power and strength are limited — God’s is not! And just when Revive is being called on to do more for the Lord, God provides people with special gifts to help encourage me to make this happen.
I use to be a skeptic in the workings of the Spirit and the spiritual realm. I certainly believed in a Heaven and a Hell but figured it was “way up there in the sky” or “way down there beneath the earth.” But Jesus said the Kingdom of God is among you. This is why I sometimes believe the floor of Heaven is four feet over my head. And perhaps, it might be even closer than that.
Why am I sharing all of this with you? Because God is wanting to do more. More with me, more with you, more with Revive, more with his churches. God wants more people, more praise, more love, more obedience. Ministries that submit to the Lord Jesus must ask God not only for his powerful presence today but for more of his presence to come in the future. Not only does he want more but is the only one who is able to do immeasurably more “than all we can ask or imagine.”
My word for you is pray for revival both among our churches in and your individual hearts. Seek the Lord while he may be found. Call upon his name. Allow the Holy Spirit to break the thin veil between our worlds so that the Kingdom of God might be near. Because it is.
“O Lord God, usually its those students who are on the camp high after meeting with you, but this week, I am realizing your provision in so many ways. I know that you are near. I cry out and confess that you are my God. Come now, Holy Spirit, for such a time as this. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen