Ephesians 3:20 But to Him who is able to do superabundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power which operates in us (Recovery Version)
Being a Christian does not depend on outward conduct, work, activities, or accomplishments but on taking care of God’s operation within us. The apostle Paul said that God “is able to do superabundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power which operates in us” (Ephesians 3:20). Everything that God accomplishes for us is based on this operation.
Many saints wrongly apply Ephesians 3:20 to outward things and matters. A brother once testified, “I asked God for a bungalow. I prayed for half a year, and God gave me a two-story house. What God accomplished is above all that I asked or thought.” Ephesians 3:20 does not refer to such things. According to this verse, what God accomplishes for us is altogether related to the inner life, to the operation of His power in us. Suppose a brother is giving me a difficult time, and I pray only for patience in order to not lose my temper. However, if I allow the resurrection power to operate in me, I will not only be patient and not lose my temper, but I will also love him in a sweet way. In this situation the power that operates in me has accomplished above all that I asked or thought. I hoped that the life within me would lead me to overcome, but I did not expect that this life would lead me to more than overcome. This life achieves above all that we can ask or think. This is the meaning of Ephesians 3:20. (Knowing and Experiencing God as Life, ch. 6, by Witness Lee)
