Pray 3:20 Unisex T-Shirt

Ephesians stands out as one of the top works in the apostle Paul's collection, a notable fact considering his writings make up half of the New Testament. Like Romans, Ephesians was written to clarify core Christian doctrine, with our focal verse, Ephesians 3:20, serving as a thematic cornerstone of this epistle. Let’s take a closer look at this verse, breaking it down step by step. 

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…” Throughout the bible, there are examples of how God did the impossible for those who put their faith in Him. 2 Kings 4 tells the story of a widow who cried out to God for help. All she asked for was help paying off her debts, for God to fulfill her needs. When the prophet Elisha told her to pour her small flask of oil into empty jars, more than just her needs were met. The oil continued to flow until she ran out of jars to fill. Left over was an abundance so great she was able to live off the excess. The countless examples in the bible and the lives of every believer are each a testament to God’s willingness to bless those who put their faith in Him.

“...according to the power that works in us…” There is another interpretation of the story of the jars and oil. One that is symbolic of our relationship with God, where each believer is a jar and the Holy Spirit is the oil. Everyone who is born again is a living vessel of the Holy Spirit. This power is at work inside every believer and is the same power that resurrected Jesus Christ from the dead. The Holy Spirit is more than just a power. He is the living Spirit of God, the third person of the trinity, equal to the Father and the Son, who yearns to do the will of God. 

“...to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." The glorification of our Father in heaven is God's will and, therefore, the will of the Holy Spirit residing in the hearts of all who have surrendered to Christ. Just as the jars overflowed with oil, your faith causes the Holy Spirit to overflow within you, allowing you to pour the excess into others through love. Doing this particular will of the Holy Spirit fulfills us in ways that abundance in other places in our lives never can. Can we even imagine the types of abundance God has in store for those who love Him and do His will? We will run out of space to contain it!

Paul attempts to describe the significance of the revelation of Jesus Christ multiple times in Ephesians. Phrases like “unknowable depth,” “unsearchable riches of Christ,” and “the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge” proceed his rejoicing of the power and glory of God. It shows us that our relationship with Jesus is the ultimate example of the abundance we can experience. That isn’t all God has for us, though. Whether you're facing needs like the oil and jars or seeking more of the Holy Spirit, don’t ask for just enough. Pray the prayer of Ephesians 3:20 every day and witness God go beyond anything you can ask or imagine.