What kind of life can we live as children of God?
Look at Ephesians 3:20 as it’s paraphrased in The Message Bible:
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
God spared no expense in making us His. He purchased us at the highest possible price when He paid our ransom with the life of His Son. There’s no reason to think He’s suddenly going to get stingy now.
God has given us everything we need to enjoy His best for us: the truth of His Word, the guidance of His Spirit, and the power of His grace. Yet as Ephesians says, God doesn’t strong-arm us into partnering with His purpose. He invites us to use faith, discernment, and humility to discover a life beyond our wildest dreams.
So, what’s holding you back? What’s limiting your imagination? What makes you ask for small sums when unlimited resources are available to you?
It’s time for you to dream with God. Where are you expecting too little and believing too small? What promises are you afraid to embrace? Why? Let God’s goodness inspire you. Begin to ask for things you can hardly believe might come true. He’s promised to deliver even better!
No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, never so much as imagined anything quite like it—what God has arranged for those who love him. -1 Corinthians 2:9 The Message
We’re talking about dreams and limitations, so let’s get specific. Dedicate some time this week to dreaming in depth. To start, grab some paper or pull up a note taking app on your phone and list the main areas of your life. Your list will probably include:
- Relationship with God
- Other relationships
- Marriage and family (current or future)
- Finances
- Career
- Local church and ministry
- Specific gifts or passions
Under each heading, write your expectations for that area. This should be a record of the way you currently think about your life in the privacy of your heart and mind. What do you really expect out of your relationship with God? What is the best future you foresee for your finances? Your family?
Now, prayerfully go back through the list. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His perspective and promises. Where is fear restricting your outlook? How have past hurts or disappointments limited your imagination? What do you think doesn’t matter to God, and what does He have to say about it? Remember, God has taken the limits off your life. It’s time for you to do the same!
