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Think about this: When you’re navigating through life’s challenges, do you pause to consider what you know with absolute certainty? For example, you may know a colleague was late to a meeting, but you may not be absolutely certain as to why they were late. A friend may reveal that they’re struggling financially, but you may not know the exact circumstances that led them there. In most situations, we all have to admit that we don’t know much for certain.
But pay attention to Paul’s prayer here. Ephesians 1:18 (NIV) reads, I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you…
Paul prays that Christians would know the hope to which he [God] has called you… The NIV Zondervan Study Bible notes that the word hope in this verse is not a simply wish, “…but a confident expectation of what is to come since it is ultimately grounded on God’s faithfulness.” Paul’s prayer here is that you would know with absolute certainty and full expectation, the hope to which God has called you.
READING & PRAYERS:
In what ways do you find yourself hoping for what you desire instead of focussing on God’s hope for you and others? What steps can you take to focus more on God’s hopes?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that I often spend more time thinking about how to be a good person than I spend thinking and praying about the hope to which You have called me. Forgive me for the times I think more about my hopes than Your hopes for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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