By Kayla Kennada
Our Father Desires An Abundant Life For Us
In my younger years, I never could have imagined becoming a Christian author, singer, teacher, counselor, or operating in spiritual gifts. Before encountering Christ, helping others wasn’t even on my radar. My world revolved around me and mine—where I’d work, weekend plans, friendships, raising future children.
After becoming a Christian and encountering Jesus, my eyes opened to a much larger picture. Throughout the years, and even now, more is continually revealed as I mature in God’s Word. My walk with Jesus has been the most fulfilling and adventurous life I never predicted.
The sad reality is that many people remain trapped in the same box I once occupied—living without purpose, surviving rather than thriving, falling short of their full potential when Jesus has so much more in store.
The Lord prophesied through Jeremiah 29:11: “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.” Our Father desires abundant life for us. Jesus Himself declared, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
Understanding the Abundance in Ephesians 3:20
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he proclaims: “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” (3:20). This scripture contains three transformative truths that can shift us from being “extra ordinary” to truly extraordinary.
About fifteen years ago, I heard a teenage boy deliver a message that won best presentation at a youth conference. He explained that many of us are “extra ordinary”—having more and more of being ordinary or average. But some are truly extraordinary—astonishing and amazing. I’ve never forgotten this distinction. It awakened me to what God was doing through me.
While some people settle for being commonplace, I told God four decades ago that I wanted everything He had for me. He has proven Himself faithful.
Three Profound Truths from Ephesians 3:20
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above” – God’s power is immeasurable, beyond human comprehension. There’s no ceiling to what God can accomplish through us.
“All we ask or think” – Even our most ambitious prayers and wildest dreams fall short of what God can actually do. Our requests are limited by experience, creativity, and understanding, but God isn’t constrained by these boundaries.
“According to the power that works in us” – The same power that raised Christ from the dead actively operates in believers through the Holy Spirit. This connects to Paul’s earlier prayer that believers would be strengthened with power in their inner being.
Paul prayed for the Ephesian believers to grasp Christ’s love and be filled with God’s fullness. This verse isn’t primarily about material blessings, but spiritual transformation and God’s purposes being fulfilled through His people.
In essence, it’s both an encouragement and a challenge—reminding us that God’s resources far exceed our needs while calling us to expand our vision of what’s possible through faith.
What I Would Tell My Younger Self
In my childhood and young adult years, before Christ, my paradigm centered on survival and finding where I fit in. With an absent father and a mother forced to work multiple jobs, my siblings and I were practically parentless. I was trying to find my way without proper guidance, dabbling in harmful things and unhealthy relationships. I settled into marriage without genuine love, driven by loneliness and the need for approval.
If I could speak to my younger self, I would say:
- Don’t seek human affirmation for your identity or direction. God has a better plan.
- You are far more than what you see in the mirror. He will draw out gifts you don’t even know exist within you.
- Don’t conform to fit in. Be who God created you to be, especially if it means being extraordinary.
- Remember that God is your source for everything you need (2 Peter 1:3). He will bring the right people and opportunities to you. Living for Him is truly rewarding.
- Allow God to move in and through you. You won’t be disappointed—you’ll rejoice in Him.
Lessons Learned Through Yielding
Over many years with Christ, I learned to yield to His plans over my own. I learned to embrace discomfort—singing and speaking despite severe stage fright, prophesying without certainty I was hearing God’s voice correctly, leading without knowing exactly what I was doing, yet trusting the Holy Spirit’s guidance. I learned to use computers before Google existed by asking the Holy Spirit to reveal how.
The result? I gained confidence, skills, and deep dependence on God. He is the power within me that has accomplished everything in my lifetime.
My Invitation to You
No matter where you are or what age, accept the abundant life Jesus came to give. If you’ve been a comfortable Christian, step out of your comfort zone. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you become all He wants you to be. He doesn’t need intellect or talent—He wants your availability and willingness to yield to His call.
The Lord has already called, chosen, and ordained you for good works. Remember Jeremiah 29:11—He already has a plan for you. We want His plan for our lives, not our own. God has a better plan.
For more
For more encouragement and biblical teaching, visit www.kaylakennada.com and www.facebook.com/Kayla4God/ to explore all of my blogs and content.
To watch Dr. Johnnie’s video messages on You Tube click here https://www.youtube.com/@dr.johnnieblount
Questions? Contact us at admin@bethewordacademy.com or 317-413-9798.
For more information about our courses visit https://btwacademy.thinkific.com