To Infinity and Beyond: Experiencing God's Limitless Power in Your Life
Have you ever really thought about Buzz Lightyear's famous catchphrase "To infinity and beyond"? Infinity is already a number greater than any countable number—something our brains can't even comprehend. Yet Buzz is saying he'll go beyond even that! It's about dreaming big, embracing limitless possibilities. Sometimes I wonder if Buzz's catchphrase was actually inspired by the Apostle Paul.
The Prayer That Changes Everything
In Ephesians 3:20-21, Paul concludes his powerful prayer with these words: "Now, all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
This benediction isn't just a nice way to end a letter—it's a profound statement about what God can do in our lives when we surrender to Him. When we give God control, allow Jesus to make His home in our hearts, and are made complete by the power of the Holy Spirit, God can and will accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
More Than Optimism
Paul isn't just being optimistic here. Unlike Buzz Lightyear who "flew" by chance in Andy's room (remember that scene where he bounces off a ball, springs on a car, and soars through the air?), Paul is confident in God's mighty power because he's experienced it firsthand.
When you read Paul's story in Acts 9, you'll discover that God intentionally met Paul on the road to Damascus when he was on his way to persecute Christians. God's mighty power changed his entire life. Paul knows that God is able to do what God wants to do in the lives of those who follow Him because it's a promise from God that Paul has lived and experienced.
Aligning Our Hearts with God's
When we've given God control, allowed Jesus to make His home in our hearts, and are made complete by the power of the Holy Spirit, our hearts and lives begin to align with the very heart of God. Our lives begin to look different, and we begin to notice:
Our chaos turns to peace
Our priorities change
Our actions look different
Our thoughts become more focused on others than ourselves
Five Practices That Transform Us
At our church, we encourage five practices that help us experience this transformation:
1. Praying
Instead of worrying about chaos in your family or at work, pray and watch God show you ways to extend grace in new situations.
2. Growing
Instead of reacting to your child with anger when they do something wrong, look to Scripture to see how Jesus would handle the situation. My 3-year-old reminded me of this recently when he said, "Mommy, I love you too. But sometimes I don't listen." Jesus tells us in John 15:10-11, "When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you would be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow."
3. Giving
Instead of prioritizing making more money to buy the next best thing like your neighbors, allow God to tug on your heart to be more generous with your time and money.
4. Serving
When we serve within the church or community, we see and experience the heart of God for those in need.
5. Inviting
Instead of keeping our faith private, we discover we were made to invite others into God's story, just as He invited us.
Putting It Into Practice
If all these practices seem overwhelming, start with just one thing:
Pick the practice you want to improve most
Choose something you've never tried before
Take one small step today
As Clark Pennock wisely noted, "If we appreciated the prospect of union with God more, we would not think to complain as much about the difficulty of the journey." God offers us union with Him through every step of life—every joy and sorrow.
The Promise of Infinitely More
When I was 16, I heard about Jesus for the first time—that He loved me and would forgive my sins. Over the last 17 years of following Him, I can confidently say I've experienced more than I could have ever asked or imagined. God has provided every need for my family, given me unexplainable peace, provided purpose for my life, and shown me glimpse after glimpse of His kindness through other people.
That's what I want for you—infinitely more than you might ever ask or imagine. That's Paul's prayer for us in Ephesians 3, and it's my blessing for you today.
Will you join me in dreaming God-sized dreams and being confident in the God who created you—the One who wants infinitely more for you than you might ask or even think?