Ephesians 1:3-10
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
I lead many church camping trips over the years. Planning was always important. Long lists, printed schedules, and notes for campers consumed time and energy. The planning was helpful, but only to a point. When camping, there are many things beyond your control, not the least of which is the weather. So, while we had a plan, we also had to learn to accept our situation and adapt. More than that, since we were on a church camp, we learned to trust that God was leading and guiding us in all circumstances. Both when we were doing what we planned, and when we were facing what only God could plan, God is in control.
The Bible reading from Ephesians 1 is an encouragement when our path in life becomes particularly difficult. I won’t say that terrible weather and frightening circumstances are fun. Not to this camper. But, I do know in the most difficult times, that prayer is fitting and God is caring and God is faithful. Therefore we can trust that even the things that we can’t understand have a place in His eternal plan of salvation for us in Christ Jesus.
Jesus never lost sight of the big picture and the big plan of salvation and eternal life. His disciples struggled, as do we, during the great trials they faced. But, God carried them through Jesus crucifixion, resurrection and called them to share the Gospel with all nations. God’s plan is that by confessing our sins and trusting in Jesus as our Savior we will share in Jesus’ resurrection and eternal life.
In coming through the trials of life, through faith in Jesus, we are brought closer to our Savior and to one another. We are allowed to experience God’s faithful love and be strengthened by God the Holy Spirit as we trust in God’s plan as it unfolds. May God grant us the joy of knowing Jesus in all circumstances and remind us of God’s love and our future in Him.
Let Us Pray,
I thank you heavenly Father for your faithful love that has held me close to you all my life. Help me to remember my Savior Jesus’ faithfulness throughout HIs trials for my sake. O Holy Spirit, guard and keep me, and all who face challenges this day. Help us to be strong in faith and bold in witness to the Gospel. In Jesus Name. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.