The God Who Exceeds Expectations
There are moments in life when we feel forgotten, overlooked, or as though our prayers echo unanswered.
We hold onto dreams with weary hands, wondering if God has heard us at all. But then comes a divine whisper, a sacred promise from the pages of Scripture, that cuts through the noise of doubt and delay:
📖 Ephesians 3:20
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
This verse isn’t just a promise; it’s a revelation of God’s overwhelming generosity, His limitless power, and His tender timing.
It tells us that God doesn’t just meet our expectations.
He exceeds them.
While we are waiting on God, we are called not just to endure, but to trust, to be patient, and to believe in His perfect plan.
Verse Breakdown & Commentary
🔹 “Now unto Him…”
This points directly to God as a personal Father, who is approachable and intimate. The “Now” speaks to the present moment, right here, right now. He is able in this moment.
🔹 “…that is able to do exceeding abundantly above…”
In Greek, Paul uses the phrase “ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ ὧν αἰτούμεθα ἢ νοοῦμεν” which translates to “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.”
The word ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ (hyperekperissou) is a rare and intense compound word meaning "infinitely more, exceedingly abundantly, or beyond all measure."
It’s hyperbole intensified, a way of saying that God not only exceeds your prayers or thoughts, but does so in ways that are immeasurably greater.
God is not confined by what you ask or even imagine. He moves beyond human limitation, beyond hope, beyond reason, into divine overflow.
🔹 “…all that we ask or think…”
This includes every whispered prayer, every silent longing, every unspoken dream. Even the thoughts we haven’t dared to put into words, God sees them all.
🔹 “…according to the power that worketh in us.”
This power is the Holy Spirit. It is not a power we must earn, but one that already “worketh in us.”
God doesn’t need outside tools.
He uses what is already within us to manifest His glory.
💡 Context of Ephesians 3:20
Paul is writing from prison, yet he speaks of immeasurable power and hope. That alone is powerful. Just take the time to think about this for a minute.
The context of this passage follows Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians to grasp the depths of Christ’s love (Ephesians 3:14–19).
He ends his prayer by glorifying God, who can do so much more than we can conceive. In essence, Paul is reminding the church (and us) that no matter our limitations, God is unlimited.
Ephesians 3:19 - "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."
❤️ Modern Day Application
We live in a world that promotes instant gratification, next-day deliveries, instant messaging, fast food, quick fixes.
God operates on eternal timing, not earthly urgency. He invites us to be patient because He is preparing something greater.
So when you’re tempted to give up, remember: He hasn’t forgotten you.
Your waiting is not wasted. God is orchestrating a divine outcome you couldn’t even imagine.
🔥 Soul-Searching Self-Assessment & Reflection Questions
These questions are designed to help you look inward, reflect deeply, and align more fully with God's heart.
Heart Check
- Am I truly trusting God’s timing, or trying to force my own plans?
- Do I believe that God wants to bless me, or have I settled for less than His best?
- How often do I let fear or doubt limit what I pray for or believe God can do?
Mind & Thought Life
- Are my thoughts filled with faith or with worry?
- Do I meditate on God’s promises, or replay my disappointments?
- How can I renew my mind to believe for “exceeding abundantly” blessings?
Prayer Life
- Do I pray bold prayers, or have I stopped asking because I was tired of waiting?
- Have I been specific in my prayers, or vague and hesitant?
- What’s one dream or prayer I’ve buried that I need to bring back to God?
Spiritual Growth
- What has God already placed inside me that I’m not using?
- Do I recognize the power that worketh in me, or do I live like I’m powerless?
- How can I cultivate more intimacy with the Holy Spirit?
🔗 Cross References
Jeremiah 29:11
“ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Isaiah 55:8-9
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Galatians 6:9
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Psalm 27:14
“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”
🙌 Conclusion
God is not a God of barely enough. He is the God of more than enough. When we wait in faith, we position ourselves to receive exceeding abundantly above all we could ask or think. Though the wait may be painful, it’s never purposeless.
Be patient.
Trust Him.
He sees you.
He hears you.
What He is planning is beyond your imagination.
Let your heart rest in the truth that He is working, even now.
🙏 Prayer
Dear Father,
You see the dreams I barely whisper and the prayers I’m sometimes too afraid to pray. You know the silent aches, the long nights, and the deep hopes buried beneath my waiting.
Yet You are the God who does exceeding abundantly above all I could ask or imagine. So I surrender my timelines, my expectations, and my limited understanding.
Teach me to be still. Teach me to trust.
Give me the courage to believe that what You’re preparing is greater than what I’m praying for.
Work within me, Lord, not just around me.
Let Your power rise in the quiet places of my soul.
Remind me that in every delay, You are designing something divine.
I trust You.
I believe You.
And I wait with hope.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.