Your Ephesians 3:20 Year
It’s hard to believe that 2010 is almost over. So much has happened in our lives, in the ministry, and in the lives of those who are a part of this ministry. Since the beginning of the year, Joel has been declaring that 2010 would be an “Ephesians 3:20” year — that God would do exceedingly, abundantly, above all you could ever ask, think or imagine — and the testimonies have been pouring in!
Recently, in our women’s ministry at the church, one of our staff members shared her perspective on what it meant for her to have an Ephesians 3:20 year. She didn’t receive an unexpected amount of money. She didn’t win a trip or get a new car. In fact, this year she was facing a very difficult trial in her life. She shared that as she looked around at the prosperity of her friends and fellow church members, she asked the Lord, “Where is my Ephesians 3:20 year?” It didn’t feel like a year of blessing to her, it felt like a year of hardship. But the Lord spoke gently to her heart and showed her that because she drew close to Him during her time of difficulty, she received the true riches that will last through eternity. The insight she received from the Word of God as she studied and meditated on the scripture carried her through which is a testimony of God’s “exceedingly, abundantly, above all” blessing in her life. She is stronger in her faith, she is more alive in her love, she has peace that surpasses understanding and that is beyond what she could ever ask, think, or imagine!
This week, as you make the transition from 2010 to 2011, take some time to reflect on what God has done in your life this year. Maybe some things didn’t turn out the way you expected. Maybe some unfair things happened, but know this: God is at work in your life and He is drawing you closer to Him. You are here on purpose for a purpose, and if you look with your eyes of faith, you’ll see how He’s kept you and brought you through so much! Ask Him to show you how this year has been an Ephesians 3:20 year for you and then thank Him for His faithfulness in this year and in the years to come. Remember, God is working all things together for your good and He is doing exceedingly, abundantly, above all you could ask, think, or imagine in your life!
“And now, isn’t it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You’re more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you’ve come out of this with purity of heart.” (II Corinthians 7:11, The Message)
Recently, in our women’s ministry at the church, one of our staff members shared her perspective on what it meant for her to have an Ephesians 3:20 year. She didn’t receive an unexpected amount of money. She didn’t win a trip or get a new car. In fact, this year she was facing a very difficult trial in her life. She shared that as she looked around at the prosperity of her friends and fellow church members, she asked the Lord, “Where is my Ephesians 3:20 year?” It didn’t feel like a year of blessing to her, it felt like a year of hardship. But the Lord spoke gently to her heart and showed her that because she drew close to Him during her time of difficulty, she received the true riches that will last through eternity. The insight she received from the Word of God as she studied and meditated on the scripture carried her through which is a testimony of God’s “exceedingly, abundantly, above all” blessing in her life. She is stronger in her faith, she is more alive in her love, she has peace that surpasses understanding and that is beyond what she could ever ask, think, or imagine!
This week, as you make the transition from 2010 to 2011, take some time to reflect on what God has done in your life this year. Maybe some things didn’t turn out the way you expected. Maybe some unfair things happened, but know this: God is at work in your life and He is drawing you closer to Him. You are here on purpose for a purpose, and if you look with your eyes of faith, you’ll see how He’s kept you and brought you through so much! Ask Him to show you how this year has been an Ephesians 3:20 year for you and then thank Him for His faithfulness in this year and in the years to come. Remember, God is working all things together for your good and He is doing exceedingly, abundantly, above all you could ask, think, or imagine in your life!
“And now, isn’t it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You’re more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you’ve come out of this with purity of heart.” (II Corinthians 7:11, The Message)