What an inheritance we have in Christ! In him we have every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3). With him we have been raised up and seated in the heavens (2:6). And through him, our sins have been washed away (1:7).
And even more amazing, we dont have to wait for heaven to begin to experience it. It is ours for the taking right here and right now! We can experience Jesus dwelling in our hearts, giving us peace with God and with those around us. We can know the surpassing love of God and receive comfort and strength from his love every day.
What a beautiful picture! However, in the daily grind of our lives, facing difficulties in our families and at our jobs, or beset by our own weaknesses and sins, the thought of enjoying the Christian life may seem like a distant dream. The issues we face can so fill our thoughts that we dont reach up to the Lord for a share in his promises. This is why Paul prayed that we would all be strengthened interiorlyso that we could grasp and comprehend the full measure of Gods gift to us right now.
Brothers and sisters, God really has given us every spiritual blessing. He really has poured his eternal, life-giving Holy Spirit into our hearts. All he wants is our willingness to change, our decision to accept what he has done for us. He asks us not to focus on our problems. He asks us to give up resentments and grudges (including bitterness toward him for any difficulties we are facing). And instead of all this, he wants us to take up faith and hope in his goodness toward us.
Holding on to your own ways of thinking is the one thing that will keep the Holy Spirit from transforming you. Dont do it! Let his grace go to work in your heart. He stands at the door of your heart, ready for you to open up to him. So try your best to cooperate with him, for the reward is great!
Thank you, Father, for the glorious inheritance you have given me. Transform my heart, and make my faith strong enough to grasp this blessing in its fullness. Empower me, Father, to experience every day the victorious, confident life that you have given me in Christ.
Psalm 33:1-2,4-5,11-12,18-19; Luke 12:49-53