Listen

I pray that the eyes of your heart will have enough light to see what is the hope of God’s call, what is the richness of God’s glorious inheritance among believers, and what is the overwhelming greatness of God’s power that is working among us believers. This power is conferred by the energy of God’s powerful strength.

Ephesians 1:18-19

Think

Whether through the beauty of welcoming a new baby or the hard work of raising a family, God uses motherhood to open the eyes of my heart. And this is no clearer than when I encounter scripture. For instance, I’ve been focusing recently on Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (NKJV). What God is teaching me so far is that this doesn’t happen like I imagine. There is no magical superhero transformation; instead, I must humble myself by admitting that I need God’s help day after day.

For me, that is how I see “God’s power that is working among us believers” (v. 19). Seeing it at all is a gift from God, and seeing how much I still must learn is also a gift. When we see just how far we have to go to arise to life in Christ, we shouldn’t despair; we should pray for God’s help. Because when God is working among us, we can rely on “the energy of God’s powerful strength” (v. 19).

Sarah Boatwright

Pray

Thank you, God, for the journey before me and for just how far I have to go.

I need your help more than anything.

Please strengthen me that I may see your light and not lose hope.

Amen.

Go

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2 (NRSV)