MAY 31

Far More Abundantly

Bible Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21

Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (NJKV).

GOD
Is able
Is able to do
Is able to do all
Is able to do above all
Is able to do above all that we ask
Is able to do above all that we think
Is able to do above all that we ask or think
Is able to do exceedingly above all that we ask or think
Is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think

Over the years I’ve been drawn to this particular passage of Scripture.  It was the subject of a five-part series I preached at the conclusion of our many years of ministry at Lewis and Clark Bible Church.  I’ve used the text on many occasions in preaching in churches in Uganda.  There is much encouragement here for us when it comes to the matter of devotion to prayer.

Say a prayer.  Think a thought.  God is able to do more, exceedingly more, exceedingly abundantly more.  It is by “the power that works within us” that He does this.  In his first prayer in this epistle Paul prayed that the eyes of our heart might be enlightened to know the “immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe” (Ephesians 1:19-20).  The empty tomb of the Risen Savior testifies to God’s ability to accomplish what He has purposed to do in our lives.  In his second prayer in this epistle Paul prayed that we might “comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:19).  That work that God is doing in us is according to his power which is immeasurably great and to his limitless love which surpasses knowledge.

God is always exceeding our expectations in the way he works.  You’ll find plenty of examples of this in the Bible, but there is one that relates especially to the matter of hand.  The prodigal son left his father’s house and “squandered his property in reckless living” (Luke 15:13-14).  Wallowing in the mire with the pigs—and longing to “be fed with the pods that the pigs ate”—he “came to himself” and purposed to return to his father (Luke 15:17-20).  He thought at best he might gain employment as one of his father’s hired servants.  But that’s not what happened.  “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion” (Luke 15:20).  Not only was he taken back, his father embraced him and kissed him.  He not only welcomed him–he clothed him with a robe, a ring, and shoes.  He then killed the fattened calf and held a celebration.  His Father’s capacity to forgive and restore was exceedingly abundantly beyond what the prodigal would have thought possible.

Having said all of that—there is a particular matter that verse twenty relates to.  What is work that God is doing that is “exceedingly abundantly beyond?”  According to the context it is us being “filled up with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19).  It is the end point of salvation that is in view here—being brought into complete conformity with Christ.  Salvation is bigger in scope than we can now imagine.  It includes forgiveness of our sins (Ephesians 1:7), but it is bigger than that.  We understand that it involves growing in Christ–from one state of glory to the next (2 Corinthians 3:18)—but it is still bigger than that.  We understand it to lead to a future glorified estate when He “will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21), but what does that entail (1 John 3:1-2)?  How can we perceive or comprehend what that must be (1 Corinthians 2:9, 13:12)?  The culmination of His salvation “to the uttermost” (Hebrews 7:25) is as a glorious mountain peak lying above and beyond the clouds.  We anticipate it, but the full measure of its glory eludes us.  But God is at work in us and is more than able to finish the glorious work He started (Philippians 1:6). 

Its good then for us to keep in mind to whom it is we are praying!  God is not a stingy, reluctant God whose inclination it is to withhold from us His promised blessings.  He is not impotent when it comes to intervening in our lives when it comes to completing the work He started in us!  He is the God of miracles who has proven He is able time after time!  In fact, His ability to work transcends our ability to comprehend!  How privileged we are to serve and worship and pray to Him!

Say a Prayer.  Think a Thought.  God is Able to do More.  Exceedingly Abundantly More.

HE IS ABLE
He is able, more than able
To accomplish what concerns me today
He is able, more than able
To handle anything that comes my way
He is able, more than able
To do much more than I could ever dream
He is able, more than able
To make me what He wants me to be

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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