I love Paul’s words here, “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.” That is my wish for you as readers of this devotional as well. There is just so much going on this world today that zaps our peace. We often forget about the free gift of grace that is ours, too. This a good place to start every time we have with God, to remember and thank him for the grace and peace he supplies. Take a moment now to just feel his presence.
How do we respond to God’s grace? Especially when we know that he has planned this for us from the beginning of time? Paul suggests that we “praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.” How do you praise God with your life? Have you ever thought about that?
There are so many assurances in today’s reading. Words like wisdom and understanding, promise, guarantee, and inheritance. We are part of God’s plan and we have great things in store for us. I love verse 11. “Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.”
This can be especially comforting when we are going through a hard time. When Paul wrote this to the young church in Ephesus, he was probably in the midst of some struggle himself. If you have been walking through the book of Acts with us, you know he was continually taking a hit for his mission.
Paul’s message was for everyone. It may have started with Jews like himself, but God’s mission for him extended to Gentiles as well. We all are given access to God, and we know when the Spirit comes alive in us. In Paul’s words, “The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.”
How does today’s reading make you feel? Are you feeling a little more hopeful? Maybe a little more blessed? Take some time to just praise God for what he is doing for you.
Let’s pray. Father, I thank you for the promises you give. I trust you with my life. I want to act in ways that glorify you and help others to know you. Thank you for the grace you so freely give. I am overflowing right now with gratitude that you have chosen me and given me an inheritance to be with you forever. There is so much in this world that can confuse and misdirect. Keep my eyes focused on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
