Ephesians 3:20-21

"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, for ever and ever! Amen." NIV

I was thinking on this verse and the story of Noah came to mind. God was very precise in the measurements of the ark. He laid out every corner, length and turn for Noah to follow. He never said, "Throw together a boat." God told Noah each cubit, the kind of wood to use, and the number of each kind of creature to bring into the ark. And Scripture says that, "Noah did everything just as God commanded him." Then the flood came and God did immeasurably more than all Noah could have asked or imagined to save His family.

We serve a God of details. And in those detailed instructions, He expects us to be obedient. Then time and time again after we follow His instructions, He blesses us with the immeasurably more, and He has done it over and over again throughout history. How often do we want to skirt His instructions, improvise, and then we miss the immeasurably more. It's very simple, follow the instructions and live in the abundance of His provision.

He provided a way to salvation with very simple instructions -- confess your sins and accept Jesus Christ as Lord. But the immeasurably more that follows that humble beginning is beyond comprehension. I love that I serve a God of details and immense generosity. He lavishes His love and care beyond all measure. He takes our humble, inadequate offerings of service and turns them into so much more than all we can ask or imagine. I serve a generous Master, and I will forever follow Him in the details.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read the story of Noah in Genesis 6:1-9:17.
2. What other Old Testament examples can you find of God being specific in the details and man receiving "immeasurably more" afterwards. (i.e. the Ark of the Covenant)
3. How is obedience and our Christian walk directly connected? Using a concordance, look up Scriptures on "obedience" and "obey."
4. Should our motivation to obedience be love for God or a desire for the immeasurably more? Loaded question, but think through how you live your life. Do you need to reevaluate your motivation?
5. What are some "details" that God is asking you to follow right now? How are you doing?
6. Give thanks to the Father for the immeasurably more you've already experienced in your life.