Day 1 - Ephesians 1:18-19a

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19a

We just completed week 2 of our LifeGroup based on Ephesians.  I love Ephesians, it is such a rich book.  There is so much to glean from Ephesians.  So I am completely loving this series!

Life is such a struggle at times, that we just can't seem to get an upper hand on our life.  We believe the Word of God.  We we believe God loves us, and walks with us. We believe that His power has been gloriously given to so many throughout history.  But what we usually can't believe.... is that this great power belongs to us.

In the second half of Ephesians 1, Paul is praying not for the lost, but for the saved.  For the believers.  His prayer is that the eyes of their heart would be enlightened.  (I instantly think of the song, Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord.) He wanted these believers to know that they had a hope in all things.  They had a hope because of the "incomparably great power" God had given those who believe.

He has promised us that we are never alone, that we have great power in all things.  But it is up to us to step out and truly claim this power.  It is there, we must take the leap of faith to claim it!!  And if we do claim this power, and believe it is for us as a believer, then we must show it in how we live.  We can not go around living and talking and acting like we have no power and feeling helpless.

Yes, we all have times when we may not feel powerful.  Believe me, with some areas in my life right now... some days power is the last thing I feel!  But I refuse to walk around in doom and gloom, "whining" about things.....because I know God has given me power to walk through any storm, any trial, any hard time... and come out better on the other side.  And even in this earthly life I struggle, even in the power I walk in, I am assured that I have a glorious inheritance.

After all.... as we discussed last week in our LifeGroup.... I am CHOSEN, ADOPTED, AND REDEEMED.

God, please open the eyes of my heart... may I seek You and walk faithfully in the power You have given to me.  I know that You are always with me and You love me.   Amen.