Friday, March 27th – Ephesians 1:17-18 (NIV)

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 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,”

Paul is praying over the church of Ephesus in this passage. He wants them to gain wisdom so they may know God better. He wants us to have Hope. Hope that only comes from resting in who we serve and proclaim as Jesus Christ. 

How do you become a stronger Christian? By falling in love with Jesus. By getting to know who God is better. This knowledge leads to an understanding of God’s power and love for you.

Many Christians do not know this power – or they only know it from a distance. God wants resurrection life to be real in the life of the believer. “The very same power which raised Christ is waiting to raise the drunkard from his drunkenness, to raise the thief from his dishonesty, to raise the Pharisee from his self-righteousness, to raise the Sadducee from his unbelief.” (Spurgeon)

Understanding God’s power gives hope in every situation. Paul is praying that the church of Ephesus seeks and gains this knowledge.

My prayer echoes that of Paul:

Lord,

I ask you to give us the spirit of wisdom and revelation of who you are and what you think of us. I pray our hearts and minds are opened to your truths. That the glorious inheritance we have from you will give us hope to face the day and hope for whatever we face tomorrow. With you, all things are possible and we can rest easy. Thank you for that Lord.

Amen

– Matthew Paulson