Far More Than We Can Imagine
Scripture — Ephesians 3:20-21 (NRSV)
Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Focus
As we grow in the exercise of our imaginations, may we always remember that God is able to do far more than we could ever imagine. There are limits to our imaginative capacities. Yet may we also remember that the power that enables God to do more than we could ever imagine resides within us. The very Spirit of God will move in and through our imaginations to help us share in God’s redemptive work in this world, whether we’re at work or at home, in worship or in our neighborhoods, in the studio or in the soup kitchen. May our imaginations be set free to share more fully and fruitfully in God’s mission in the world.
This devotion is part of the series, Imagination: Redeemed and Redemptive.
Devotion
Today we finish this devotional series, Imagination: Redeemed and Redemptive. I hope that this conversation has given you new insight into the importance of the imagination for those of us who share in God’s redemptive work in the world. Moreover, I pray that what we’ve considered over these past few weeks has helped to unleash your imagination as you live and work each day. Perhaps you’ve come up with innovative ideas related to your work. Or perhaps you’ve seen a colleague or family member in a fresh way so you might encourage them in their flourishing. Or perhaps you’ve begun to engage in practices that inspire your imagination, such as talking time alone for reflection, prayer, and creativity.
I finish this series reminded of how much imagination can make a difference. I’m also convinced that you and I can be much more imaginative than we might suppose.
But I also believe there are limits to what we can imagine. Consider, for example, Ephesians 3:20-21. After praying that we might be “filled with all the fullness of God” (3:19), Paul adds this stirring benediction, “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (3:20-21). Surely we can imagine all sorts of wonderful things about God and God’s redemptive, restorative work. Scripture inspires us to hope for a future in which God mends our broken world through Christ so that all things might flourish as God had originally intended (Ephesians 1:10). We are encouraged to use our imaginations as we reflect upon the age to come. Yet, no matter how free and expansive our imaginations might be, God “is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine” (3:20). We will never, ever be able to “out-imagine” God, so to speak.
Yet, be sure to notice something amazing about our passage from Ephesians. Yes, God can do far more than anything we can imagine. How? “By the power at work within us.” No doubt, “power” in this context refers to the Holy Spirit alive within us. So, the power that enables God to do more than we can ever imagine is also a power resident within us. Wow!
One implication of this truth is related to our imagination. Yes, we have within ourselves the ability to imagine. It’s one of God’s gifts to us. We can use this gift in a way that honors God and contributes to God’s mission. But our creative ability isn’t something we exercise all by ourselves. Rather, the Spirit of God energizes our imaginations, helping us to envision what we cannot see, and guiding us to visualize what we would miss if left alone. In other words, the very power that enables God to exceed our imaginations is the power that inspires our imaginations.
Before I began this series on redemptive imagination, I often prayed for God’s wisdom, almost daily, and sometimes several times a day. But until recently, I never prayed specifically for God to inspire my imagination. Now, I’m quite sure God did that very thing at times even though I hadn’t asked. But I also believe there is value in asking specifically for God to stir up my imaginative capacity. So I am now praying in ways I had not prayed before. I’ll end this devotion with an example of one of my recent prayers.
As we grow in the exercise of our imaginations, may we always remember that God is able to do far more than we could ever imagine. Yes, there are limits to our imaginative capacities. Yet may we also remember that the power that enables God to do more than we could ever imagine resides within us. The very Spirit of God will move in and through our imaginations to help us share in God’s redemptive work in this world, whether we’re at work or at home, in worship or in our neighborhoods. May our imaginations be set free to share more fully and fruitfully in God’s mission in the world.
Reflect
Can you remember a time when God inspired your imagination? If so, what happened?
Do you live as if the Spirit of God is truly resident within you?
Where in your life do you need the Spirit’s help to be more imaginative?
Act
Talk with a wise friend or your small group about ways in which you need God to help you be more imaginative.
Pray
Gracious God, thank you for all of your gifts. Today I thank you, especially for the gift of imagination. Thank you for helping me to see in my mind what I cannot see with my eyes. Thank you for inspiring me to envision your future. Thank you for helping me to see how I might share in your work in the world.
Today, Lord, I ask you to inspire my imagination once again. Give me new vision as I work. Help me to see how I might share in new ways in your redemptive mission. I ask also for the ability to see the people in my life as you see them. May I imagine by your grace who they are becoming, so I can be part of your work in them.
Gracious God, in a day when so much in our world is terribly broken, help me to see through my imagination what you are doing and how I might participate. Give me a fresh vision for your church and how I might be part of a community living out your redemptive mission in the world.
May I always remember, Lord, that you are able to do far more than I could ever imagine by your power at work within me. And may I live each day as if this were really true! Amen.
Banner image by Tetiana Shyshkina on Unsplash.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the High Calling archive, hosted by the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: God Can Do Far More Than You Could Ever Imagine.
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Mark D. Roberts
Senior Strategist
Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a Senior Strategist for Fuller’s Max De Pree Center for Leadership, where he focuses on the spiritual development and thriving of leaders. He is the principal writer of the daily devotional, Life for Leaders,...