Renee and I would both tell you that Ephesians 3:20–21 (NKJV) has been one of the foundational promises of our life:
“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.”
I learned that verse early in my Christian walk, and it strengthened my faith in profound ways.
At the time, I was a young man, newly in love with Jesus, with a beautiful wife I believed God hand-picked for me, and four wonderful little children—each two years apart. I remember feeling like the richest man in the world! Was it because we had money? Not even close. We were financially poor in those early years. But I felt rich because I had always dreamed of being a husband and father, and now I was living it.
We loved God. We loved each other. We found joy in our simple life. But like anyone else, we still faced bills, needs, and the pressures of everyday life. The weight of financial obligations often tried to invade our thought-life and stir up fear. Whenever that happened, we did our best to practice 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT):
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.”
When the enemy tried to build fear, we carried those cares right back to the throne of God and laid them at Jesus’ feet—sometimes daily, sometimes hourly.
I worked hard to provide—three jobs for the first thirteen years of our marriage. Renee worked tirelessly to make our home a place of joy, laughter, and peace. Still, the cares of life could have easily overwhelmed us if we had let them.
I can remember lying awake at night thinking, Lord, how will this work out? How will I pay for braces, school, clothes, college? I’m not smart enough or skilled enough… And each time, the Lord would gently remind me to lay those cares down and trust Him—because Jesus gave His life so we could expect His blessing, provision, and help.
This is why Ephesians 3:20–21 became so precious to us.
“The power that works in us” is our child-like faith—believing that Jesus intimately loves us, cares for us, and desires to help us in every step of life as we pray, ask in faith, and trust Him no matter what the circumstances look like.
I don’t know about you, but I never stop being dependent on Him. I need His help every single day. If God is a crutch, then I have one under each arm—and I say that joyfully, because I know His promises are true.
Looking back, God has done far more than we ever imagined or could have asked. We are so deeply thankful—not just for His provision, but for the privilege of knowing Him, walking with Him, leaning on Him, and learning how to cast every care upon Him.
His Word is filled with promises and overflowing with love. He is an intimate, faithful God. And that is why, to this day, Renee and I continue to cast every care upon Him, trusting that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
