A couple of weeks ago, I shared with you that I'm praying Ephesians 1:17-23 everyday for myself. The Apostle Paul wrote these words to the church in Ephesus as his prayer for them. So I thought, why can't I pray this for myself--to be given wisdom and revelation in my life? I committed to praying this prayer every day for 6 months. Two weeks down and I can tell you one thing..don't ask for wisdom and revelation in your life if you aren't real serious about receiving it!
I've always considered myself a grateful person. If someone does something for me or gives me a gift, I'm quick to jot them a thank you note. And how many times have I heard of someone's misfortune and said, "Thank God that didn't happen to me!" Well, God has been whipping me upside the head with the fact that I need to be more grateful for His provisions.
While I was driving home from work the other night, I noticed the shiny cars at the local car dealership. I was moved to thank God at that very moment for giving me a car that cranks every day. As I passed by businesses that had closed for the night, I was pressed to thank God for providing me a job to do so I can bring money into this household. I passed by the hospital and thanked God for my health and the health of my husband and small children. I looked ahead and saw the motels that line the frontage road. I thanked God I have a home to go to every night and a bed to sleep in. Then I saw people coming out of a restaurant and thanked God for the food that I can so easily go and buy anytime I want. The whole ride home, the Lord was revealing to me how He has consistently provided.
I believe this prayer in Ephesians is not really asking that God would do something for us, but that we would see what God has already done for us and what already belongs to us in Christ. That's powerful...
2 comments:
Very well put. He is there all the time providing what His children need. Barb, you are a child of a KING with all the things that go with that position. Don't stop looking for His grace and meseries.
I have been thinking about the point you made in this blog for a long time now. I have also learned that is just as important to give thanks for what you don't have as to give gratitude for what you do have. For example, if you have to see a certain doctor for close monitoring, at least you don't have problems in another specialty area. If you can't draw well, maybe you cook or sing well, for example.
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