There are 7,487 promises in God’s Word. All of them belong to God’s people: those who have a new nature now, those referred to biblically as “children of promise” and “heirs of promise” (Gal. 4:28, Heb. 6:17).
God’s promises, like a rainbow, arc over our lives from the beginning to the end. They are so diverse in nature, believers never face any negative situation without a suitable promise empowering them to overcome.
One of the most amazing promises is Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or imagine, according to the power that works in us.”
Three strong power-words are fused in this one intense statement: “exceedingly,” “abundantly” and “beyond.” “Exceedingly” means “to an unusual degree.” “Abundantly” means “generously” or “lavishly.” “Beyond” means “surpassing all limitations.” Just one of these words should be sufficient to put a smile on our faces.
Go ahead, imagine what God could do in your life, what answers He could send to your prayers. Then, bump it up several notches beyond what you even think possible. Let your faith rest there—on the exceptional, the extraordinary, the supernatural—realizing this promise is dependent on the “power that works in us.” What “power”? The power of faith. The power of positive confessions. The power of thanksgiving and praise.
This verse was fulfilled for me years ago in an amazing way, even when I didn’t believe.
Right after I found the Lord, I was very focused on winning my whole family. One of my favorite uncles lived in Baraboo, Wisconsin (a small rural community on the way to the Wisconsin Dells).
I often prayed, “God, please send a born-again believer to Uncle Dick to share the gospel with him.” Then, my voice would trail off, with echoing negative thoughts such as There aren’t any born-again believers in Baraboo. My doubts kept fighting my faith. Finally, I decided to take things into my own hands and drive up to Wisconsin from Tennessee. God must have been smiling the entire two days I spent on the road. Because shortly before I arrived, a bus carrying about 25 believers on their way to a retreat broke down—guess where?—in Baraboo, of course.
That’s not all. It was my uncle’s son-in-law who compassionately stopped and offered to help. Since they had no money for a motel, my gracious uncle and his son-in-law (who lived next door) let them sleep on their couches and the floors of their trailers. I asked God to send one, and instead, He sent wall-to-wall Christians—singing, worshipping, holding Bible studies and sharing the truth with my uncle and his family—for over a week, while they waited for their bus to be fixed. Then, as they were leaving, I showed up (feeling almost useless after I heard what God had done).
Many times, since that day, the thought has surfaced in my heart: If the Almighty God could do that when I doubted, what can He do when I believe? Try stretching your faith that high today. {eoa}
Mike Shreve has been teaching God’s Word since 1971, with an emphasis on healing and the prophetic. He has authored 15 books including the best-selling 65 Promises from God for Your Child. Other Charisma House releases include Powerful Prayers for Supernatural Results and WHO AM I? Dynamic Declarations of Who You Are in Christ. His newest book, to be released July 3, is titled 25 Powerful Promises From God. He and his wife, Elizabeth, travel evangelistically, as well as pastoring The Sanctuary in Cleveland, Tennessee. Visit shreveministries.org, facebook.com/shrevemin, twitter.com/shrevemin and instagram.com/mike_shreve.
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