Daily challenges strike in a multitude of ways. Some days they may come as a sick child, an unexpected meeting at work, a car accident, a leak in a bathroom, and the list goes on. How do we deal with the challenges that come to us? I don’t mean a major event in life; I’m talking about everyday events. Without a doubt, I believe God’s word when we are told because of our faith; we are to go to God with boldness and confidence. Ephesians 3:12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. How often do we do this? Do we wait until there is a major event or crisis in our lives or do we go before God with boldness and confidence daily?
My desire is to cling to God’s word and practice what it teaches. Additionally, I’m working to claim the promises in God’s word, starting with His promise of providing a counselor to be with me forever- teaching me and reminding me of all that I have learned of Christ. (John 14). As I walk day to day, and deal with challenges, I have access to talk to God. I have the presence of the Holy Spirit with me every minute of every day.
Recently I have been praying through God’s word in Ephesians. In chapter 1:15-23, Paul tells the Ephesians that since he heard of their faith in Jesus he gives thanks for them when he prays. When I continue through these verses I pray these back to God for myself – asking Him to give me a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ. I ask God to show me His power – the power that he showed those around when Jesus was raised from the dead. Sometimes the power that I need to see and experience is getting through the challenges in my day. When I see God working with small events in my life, it makes facing major trials easier to walk through.
God is gracious. God is merciful. God is powerful. Are you seeking Him to experience Him in an abundant life and have strength to get through challenges that you face? Start by praying His word back to Him.
Ephesians 1:15-23 (HCSB)
This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the perception of your mind may be enlightened so you may know what the hope of His calling is, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength.
God’s Power in Christ
He demonstrated this power in the Messiah by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavens-- far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put everything under His feet] and appointed Him as head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of the One who fills all things in every way.
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