God's Unmatched Ability: Trusting Beyond Our Doubts
Summary
As we continue our “Songs We Sing” series, we’re taking a closer look at the deep truths behind the worship song “More Than Able.” This song is a powerful reminder that God is not only able to do the impossible, but He has a history of doing so in our lives and throughout Scripture. The lyrics challenge us to remember God’s faithfulness, to trust Him beyond our doubts, and to declare with confidence that He is more than able, no matter what we face.
We began by reflecting on how easy it is to forget the great things God has done for us. Just like the Israelites, who experienced miraculous deliverance and provision, we can become so focused on our current struggles or successes that we lose sight of God’s past faithfulness. Scripture urges us to “forget not all His benefits,” reminding us that every good thing in our lives is a gift from Him, not something we’ve earned on our own. When we remember God’s goodness, it keeps our hearts humble and grateful, and it fuels our faith for the future.
The next phrase we explored was, “Who am I to deny what the Lord can do?” This line confronts our tendency to limit God based on our own disappointments or unanswered prayers. We all have moments when we wonder if God will really come through, especially when things don’t go as we hoped. Yet, the story of the desperate father in Mark 9 shows us that even when our faith is mixed with doubt, Jesus meets us with compassion. God invites us to bring our honest questions and struggles to Him, trusting that His perspective is greater than ours and that nothing is impossible for Him.
Finally, we focused on the declaration, “You are more than able.” This is rooted in Paul’s words from Ephesians 3, where he reminds us that God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” God’s power is not limited by our circumstances or our understanding. He is still working, still moving, and still able to bring about transformation in our lives. Whether we’re in a season of blessing or facing uncertainty, we can anchor our hope in the truth that God’s love and power are beyond measure, and He will complete the good work He’s begun in us.
Key Takeaways
- Remembering God’s Faithfulness Guards Our Hearts
It’s easy to let the challenges or successes of today overshadow the countless ways God has shown up in our past. By intentionally recalling His goodness—like the Israelites were commanded to do—we cultivate humility and gratitude, recognizing that every blessing is a gift, not an achievement. This practice keeps us anchored in God’s love and prevents pride from taking root. [13:48]
- Our Limitations Don’t Limit God
We often project our own limitations onto God, doubting His ability to intervene when prayers go unanswered or situations seem hopeless. Yet, Scripture and experience remind us that God sees the bigger picture and is not bound by our understanding. Trusting Him means believing He can do what we cannot, even when we don’t see immediate results. [19:34]
- Honest Faith Welcomes God’s Power
The father in Mark 9 models a faith that is both honest and expectant: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” God isn’t looking for perfect faith, but for hearts willing to bring their doubts and hopes to Him. When we do, we open ourselves to experience His compassion and power in new ways. [21:54]
- God’s Ability Exceeds Our Imagination
Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3 reminds us that God is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” This isn’t just a promise for the past, but a present reality for every believer. God’s power is at work in us, shaping our lives and stories in ways we can’t yet comprehend. [24:30]
- God’s Work in Us Is Ongoing
Even when we feel stuck or unfinished, God’s commitment to us remains. Philippians 1 assures us that the good work God began in us will be carried on to completion. Our journey with Him is marked by continual growth, transformation, and the assurance that He is not done with us yet. [26:30]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction to “Songs We Sing” Series
[02:45] - The Heart Behind Worship Lyrics
[04:30] - Overview of “More Than Able”
[06:15] - Trusting God in Uncertainty
[09:11] - Three Key Phrases from the Song
[10:52] - Forgetting God’s Goodness: Psalm 103
[12:50] - The Danger of Forgetfulness
[13:48] - Israel’s Story: Remembering Deliverance
[16:38] - The Downfall of Forgetting God
[18:47] - Who Am I to Deny What the Lord Can Do?
[19:34] - Wrestling with Unanswered Prayers
[21:54] - Honest Faith: “Help My Unbelief”
[22:48] - Trusting God’s Heart When We Don’t Understand
[24:30] - God Is More Than Able: Ephesians 3
[26:30] - God’s Work Is Not Finished
[28:00] - Invitation to Surrender to Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “More Than Able” (Songs We Sing Series)
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### Bible Reading
Psalm 103:2-5 (ESV)
> Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
> who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
> who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
> who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Mark 9:21-24 (ESV)
> And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood.
> And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
> And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”
> Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
> Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
> to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Psalm 103, what are some of the specific “benefits” or good things that David lists as coming from God?
2. According to the story in Mark 9, how does the father express both faith and doubt to Jesus? ([21:54])
3. In Ephesians 3, what does Paul say about God’s ability compared to what we can ask or imagine? ([24:30])
4. What warning did Moses give the Israelites about forgetting God’s goodness once they entered the Promised Land? ([13:48])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think it’s so easy for people—even those who have seen God work in big ways—to forget His faithfulness over time? ([13:48])
2. What does the father’s statement, “I believe; help my unbelief,” teach us about the kind of faith God welcomes? ([21:54])
3. How might our own limitations or disappointments cause us to “deny what the Lord can do”? ([19:34])
4. What does it mean that God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”? How should this shape our prayers and expectations? ([24:30])
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### Application Questions
1. Can you think of a time when you forgot about something good God had done for you because you were focused on a current struggle or success? How can you make it a habit to remember God’s faithfulness? ([13:48])
2. Are there areas in your life right now where you feel like you’re limiting God because of past disappointments or unanswered prayers? What would it look like to trust Him with those areas? ([19:34])
3. The father in Mark 9 brought his honest doubts to Jesus. Is there something you’re struggling to believe God for right now? How can you bring that honestly to Him in prayer this week? ([21:54])
4. When you hear that God is “more than able,” does it change the way you approach challenges or pray for others? Why or why not? ([24:30])
5. Moses warned the Israelites not to become proud and forget God when things were going well. Are there blessings in your life that you’ve started to take credit for instead of thanking God? How can you shift your perspective? ([13:48])
6. Paul says that God’s work in us is ongoing (Philippians 1:6). Is there an area of your life where you feel “unfinished” or stuck? How does knowing God isn’t done with you yet encourage you? ([26:30])
7. What is one practical step you can take this week to anchor your hope in God’s love and power, no matter what you’re facing? ([24:30])
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Optional: Close your group time by listening to “More Than Able” and sharing one thing you want to remember from this discussion.
Devotional
Day 1: Remembering God’s Faithfulness
It is easy to let the challenges and disappointments of life overshadow the countless ways God has shown up for us in the past. Yet, Scripture calls us to remember and not forget all the benefits and blessings God has poured out—His forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, and compassion. When we intentionally recall God’s goodness, our hearts are filled with gratitude and our faith is strengthened for whatever lies ahead. Take time today to reflect on the specific ways God has been faithful to you, and let those memories fuel your worship and trust. [10:52]
Psalm 103:2-12 (ESV)
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Reflection: What is one specific way God has shown His faithfulness to you in the past that you need to remember and thank Him for today?
Day 2: Guarding Against Spiritual Amnesia
When life is comfortable and things are going well, it is tempting to take credit for our blessings and forget that every good thing comes from God. The story of Israel reminds us that pride and forgetfulness can creep in, leading us away from dependence on God. We are called to remember that it is God who gives us the ability to succeed, and to continually give Him praise for all He has done. Let us be vigilant in giving God the glory, recognizing that all we have is a result of His grace and provision. [13:48]
Deuteronomy 8:10-18 (ESV)
And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, who led you through the great and terrifying wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water, who brought you water out of the flinty rock, who fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers did not know, that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end. Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to take credit for what God has provided, and how can you intentionally give Him the glory today?
Day 3: Trusting God’s Power Beyond Our Understanding
We all face moments when our prayers seem unanswered or when we doubt whether God can really intervene in our situation. Yet, Jesus reminds us that everything is possible for the one who believes, and He invites us to bring our honest doubts to Him. Like the father who cried out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief,” we can trust that God is able, even when we don’t fully understand His ways. God sees the bigger picture, and He calls us to trust Him with childlike faith, knowing that He loves us deeply and is always working for our good. [21:54]
Mark 9:17-24 (ESV)
And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to believe God can intervene, and how can you bring your honest doubts to Him in prayer today?
Day 4: God Is More Than Able
No matter how overwhelming our circumstances may seem, God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. His love for us is wider, longer, higher, and deeper than we can comprehend, and His power is at work within us. When we feel out of control, we can rest in the truth that God is still in control and more than able to meet every need. Let this assurance fill you with hope and confidence as you face today, knowing that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead is working in your life. [25:30]
Ephesians 3:14-21 (ESV)
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Reflection: What is one “impossible” situation you are facing right now, and how can you declare God’s ability to do more than you can imagine in that area?
Day 5: God’s Work in You Is Not Finished
Even when we feel stuck or unfinished, God promises to continue the good work He began in us until it is complete. He is not done with you, and He is still working in your life, shaping you to be more like Jesus. This truth gives us hope and perseverance, knowing that God’s faithfulness endures and His plans for us are not yet complete. Surrender your heart to Him anew today, trusting that He will carry you through every season until the day you see Him face to face. [26:30]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust that God is still working, and what step of surrender can you take today to cooperate with His ongoing work in you?
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