Think beyond the limits of your ambitions

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Because the Father is able to do much more, our desires might be too small for His will for us.

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in his death. Philippians 3:10

Noble ambition of Paul, don't you think?

Who could find fault with it?

What if God the Father said to you, "You are not Paul. Take these as principles for your life in Me."

"But for now, I want you to concentrate on ...."

What might the Lord be doing?

He may want you to think outside of these specific, New Testament boundaries so that He can do an intimate work in you at different angles. Ephesians 5:26-27; Hebrews 10:22

Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him. Hebrews 5:8-9

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:29

What supposedly natural things could be used by the Lord to do this deep work in us, beyond what our current ambitions are?

These could be a new job, relationship, spouse, child, companion animal, or even trouble like sickness, disease, or other losses to yourself or your family.

Is the Lord Jesus Christ the answer to new challenges, whether positive or negative?

I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you,” so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6

Are our ambitions always as pure as Paul's?

What about these --

Love to pray in places where people notice. Matthew 6:5

Love places of honor. Matthew 23:6

Love to be treated as important. Matthew 23:7

Love the world and its things. Colossians 3:2; 1 John 2:15

Love money. 1 Timothy 6:9-10

Love to be the leader. 3 John v.9

Sometimes we may think, "If only I could..."

Could what?

"Have this"

"Achieve that"

"Make this much"

Then what?

"Well, then I would be satisfied and people would respect me."

Maybe we could work on living these truths --

Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. Philippians 4:11

But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:8

Your thoughts?

R. Jason