The outworking of sin in our lives, and in our world, has produced distorted thinking in countless ways. Nowhere is this more evident than in the distorted, wrong ways we often think of God, and of human beings. Simply put, we have a great tendency to deify other human beings, and to humanize/domesticate the eternal, almighty God! We easily overestimate the power and significance of other humans (even ourselves), and underestimate the power and significance of God!
The Apostle Paul was very aware of this tendency that even Christians can have. Thus in Eph. 3:8-13, he passionately seeks to magnify the “unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ”, and the “manifold wisdom of God”! Lest his readers become discouraged over the difficult things Paul is suffering, he deflects attention away from himself to God’s eternal purposes in Jesus Christ. This is where the focus of faith must always be!
Oh beloved, how easily we’re tempted to be discouraged when we, or those we love, face various trials and difficulties. And how necessary that we continually “lift up the shield of faith” (Eph. 6:16) – gazing upon, trusting in, submitting to, and praising always our God – the One who powerfully and perfectly works everything after the counsel of His will (Eph. 1:11).
Even today, at this very moment, He is worthy of our fullest trust, and our highest devotion. May He strengthen and encourage your soul to that end, knowing myself and the other elders pray for you as Paul did – Eph. 3:14-21!
With love in Christ,