“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
Do you remember the first time you took a vacation to the beach or traveled to an exotic location? Perhaps you traveled far to see sites you only dreamed of seeing in a textbook. What was your response? Did you stand in awe at what God created? Although I can’t remember the first time I ever saw the beach, I feel like I’m now living that experience when I view the world through my toddler’s eyes.
Recently, my husband and I took our daughter to the Georgia Aquarium. She had been there before around a year of age; but of course, she was much more responsive now that she is almost a year older. After a few moments of trepidation as she tried to figure out what all of the “fishies” were doing in one location, she decided to run around exploring every single animal within the aquarium. Each time we approached a new species, she stood in awe with her mouth wide open admiring all of God’s creation. Most of the time, she stood there for several minutes simply taking in the sights.
Seeing her like this reminded me of the times that I have stopped for a moment to recall all that God has done for us. Not only did he create a beautiful world for us to enjoy, but he also takes care of us and our institution in ways that we cannot even imagine.
The passage highlighted above is one of my favorite verses from Ephesians. Every time I think I have it figured out how God is going to provide for us, I am continually amazed how much more he provides above what “we ask or imagine.” I wish that I could say that I always keep this Scripture in the forefront of my mind when enduring challenging circumstances; however, I do not. I get caught up in the daily activities of trying to make things happen myself and then forget the peace of relying on God’s amazing power to accomplish so much more than we can possibly do by ourselves.
In this new year, I am committing to choose joy in my circumstances and know in confidence that God is continuing to do more than we can imagine.
In this new year, I am committing to choose joy in my circumstances and know in confidence that God is continuing to do more than we can imagine. Although there might not be many toddler behaviors we need to imitate, perhaps a little awe at what God can do is needed for us from time to time!
Written by Dr. Stacy Bartlett, Vice President of Enrollment Management
