God Will Do More Than We Ask or Imagine - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - November 7
“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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
A close family member who had worked successfully for the same company for about 25 years was recently laid off unexpectedly. His division was eliminated, and he was given just one month to try to find another job at the company before his layoff date. As a senior employee, it was especially challenging to find a new job, since the company gave most opportunities to new, young employees. On the external job market, he faced those same challenges of ageism. But he had the advantage of many family members and friends praying for him. I felt confident when I was praying that God would do something good to help, but I was amazed by how much more God did than I imagined. On the very last day of my family member’s employment, he suddenly got same-day interviews for a position that was even better than his previous job, and he was hired that same day. God had answered our prayers with incredible power, providing a miraculous breakthrough, just in time!
Life often teaches us to manage our expectations. We learn to ask for what seems reasonable and hope for what is attainable. But the truth is, God invites us to dream big because he is a big God. And even more than that, God assures us that his power working in and through us is able to accomplish immeasurably more than we can ask or even imagine.
The Bible’s words in Ephesians 3:20-21 are a beautiful reminder that God operates beyond the limits of our human understanding. Think about that: the most daring thing you’ve ever prayed for – God can do more. The greatest dream you’ve ever held in your heart – God’s plans surpass it. The help or solution you thought impossible – God’s power is more than enough. The invitation is clear: don’t limit God by the size of your prayers or dreams. He is not only able but willing to exceed your expectations. God’s answer to your prayers may not always come in the way or time you expect, but it will always be beyond what you could have envisioned on your own.
It’s important to recognize that God’s power is already at work within us. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit living inside us, equipping us with everything we need to walk in faith, overcome challenges, and fulfill the purposes God has laid out for us. God’s power is not reserved for special moments; it’s available every day, in every situation, and it works through ordinary people like you and me.
When we align our hearts with God’s will, that power is activated in ways that are beyond what we can measure. And God delights in working through us. Through our lives, God shows the world that his power and love are real. When God does the unimaginable in and through us, our lives become testimonies that point others to God’s awe-inspiring work. The joy we experience, the miracles we witness, and the love we reflect are all meant to draw people to God. God’s power at work within us has an eternal ripple effect, impacting not only our lives but also the lives of those around us and generations to come.
The God who created the universe is working in your life. No prayer is too big for God to handle, and no dream is beyond God’s reach. Trust God, and be ready for God to do more than you could ever imagine!
Let’s pray:
"Dear God, thank you for being a God who does far more than I could ever ask or imagine. Forgive me for the times I’ve limited you with small prayers or doubted your ability to act in my life. Today, I choose to believe that your power is at work within me, even when I can’t see it. Please strengthen my faith so I can trust you with my dreams, challenges, and every area of my life. Help me align my heart with your will so I can experience your answers to prayers in ways I never expected. When I become tired or discouraged, remind me that you are always working behind the scenes. Remind me to give you the glory when your answers to my prayers arrive. Use my life as a testimony of your goodness and power. I trust you, God, knowing that you will do more than I can ever ask or imagine. Thank you for your faithfulness, now and forever. Amen."
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If you've been feeling tired, overwhelmed, depleted, or just quietly wondering where God is in the middle of a very full life — this episode is for you. And honestly? It might be for me too, because I'm recording this in one of those seasons myself.
Today we're doing something a little different. Instead of going deep in a passage, we're talking about what to do when deep feels like too much — when you need less, not more. Specifically, I'm walking you through one of my favorite practices for weary seasons: handwriting scripture.
Not typing it. Not scrolling past it. Actually writing it out, slowly, in your own hand — because something happens in your brain when you do that. The words land differently. They go deeper. And over time, they become part of that personal library of God's voice that the Holy Spirit can pull from when you need it most. That's what Psalm 119:11 means when it says I have hidden your word in my heart — it's scripture moving into your long-term memory, where it lives and stays even when you haven't opened your Bible in weeks.
I'm sharing the five verses I wrote out for myself today — and why each one hit me fresh even though I've known some of them for years. This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to follow the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
