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. ...
While attending a recent gathering, I ran into an old acquaintance, an artist, who asked, “What have you been doing lately?”
I was excited to relate, “I am teaching art classes, but I JUST have one student.” I said this with a tone of regret, surprising even myself.
"Just one student," my acquaintance said, “Let me tell you what having only one student did for my life. One afternoon, my one art student said, 'How would you like to go to Paris? I’ll pay for the trip.' What do you think about that? That one student also asked, 'How many days do you want to visit the Louvre?'"
Imagine. My colleague even got to suggest the length of that visit.
Wow! I've spent a day at the Louvre myself and barely touched the “gold” housed there. I could see how thrilling that must have been.
This artist went on to reveal an even more incredible secret. “When I was a girl, I had asked God if I could visit Paris, and now He has answered my prayer. And, way beyond all I could have asked or thought.”
Her eyes lit up, as she related more of the incredible events of this trip.
This one student had an apartment a mere four blocks away from the Louvre. Everything seemed so perfect, could it get any better?
My mind flooded with excitement, I couldn't help but remember that only a few minutes earlier, how very unenthusiastic I had sounded over my one art student. Now, the prospect of what one art student could mean became more exciting than ever before.
This colleague of mine not only got to see Paris, but she was also invited to travel to London, England all expenses paid, as well.
Amazing! What an example of Ephesians 3:20 “above all you could ask or think.” Inspired by all this woman's experience, I asked God for another art student. As I drove home my heart was full of expectation.
The very next day the phone rang. It was a lady who lived in town. “Can I join your class as one of your art students?” she said.
God had answered my request. I was thrilled. I'll never again underestimate the value of having one art student. Neither, the value and importance of prayer. My expectations of our Father's willingness and love to bless us, have grown greater because of what happened in my life that day.
An artist had asked God to visit Paris. God answered her prayer exceeding abundantly above all that was asked or even thought. Further, He provided a paid trip to London in the UK. God also answered the prayer I prayed that day with a new art student.
My expectations have now risen to new heights to see what else He has in store for me as I believe and r eceive His promises. Have an Ephesians 3:20 day!
Love, Shirley