FollowThe senior high youth group has been going through the book of Ephesians. During our Bible study, one verse recently stood out to me: “So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory” (Ephesians 3:13., ESV).Paul was in prison for his faith in Jesus, and in turn, the church of Ephesus was struggling because their pastor was locked up. What was his message to them?
Don’t lose heart.
Many of us feel the struggles of the world around us right now. COVID-19, political divisions, racial injustice, protests in the streets, economic loss, personal struggles—the list goes on and on. People are hurting and struggling around the world, around the country, and right here at Elim. What was Paul’s message?
Don’t lose heart.
At Elim, we are grateful to have Pastor Steve helping us find and transition to our new full-time pastor. Right now we are waiting. Waiting for the man God is calling to be our pastor. What was Paul’s message to his church who was waiting for their pastor?
Don’t lose heart.
Paul had lost his freedom. His health was not secure. His future was unknown. What was his message to his church?
Don’t lose heart.
During these times it can be easy to be discouraged. But we must not lose heart. We must continue fighting the good fight. God is at work, and we are on mission for Him. Paul used his suffering in prison to continue to spread the news about Jesus. How does this time allow us to appreciate Jesus more? How are you using the current situation to minister to others?
My prayer for our church—and I hope your prayer as well—echoes Paul’s end to Ephesians 3:
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV)
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