Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend an event in Fort Worth hosted by a craft blogger whom I have followed for a few years. I have never attended such an event by myself like that before and I truly had no idea what to expect other than we would be making a few crafts and that there would be several motivational and inspirational speakers. I’m thrilled to report that it completely knocked my socks off! It was an amazing event packed full of three hundred faith filled women (and a few men) from thirty-six different states in various seasons of life sharing their creativity, their stories, their hearts, and their journeys!
The theme was Christmas in July and so we crafted six cute Christmas crafts together – imagine all the glue, glitter and paint flying around a room of 300 people crafting together! However, bigger than all of that, the laughter and words of sincere encouragement were overflowing in that room. A room filled with love and kindness for one another no matter where you came from or where you were on your journey.
Each day began with a devotion and the first day was based on Ephesians 3:20-21; Paul’s prayer on behalf of the Christians of Ephesus. Ephesians is divided into two parts; the first half is about the theology of the church with Paul’s prayer concluding the first half of Ephesians and leading into the practical ways in which how God’s people are to live in the world and how we are to treat one another. When in doubt as to how to treat each other, love is the answer. Love or agape is used twenty times in Ephesians, ten times as a verb and ten times as a noun, serving as a gentle reminder that we are called to not only be that love in the world but to also live out that love within our communities. Paul’s prayer also reminds us of what God can accomplish in us is abundantly, exceedingly, and far above more than we can ask for or even imagine.
I am so thankful for the time to be in the presence of faith filled people who are all charting their courses across their own communities and to be rejuvenated and renewed. But what I am most thankful for is the gentle reminder to be still and find peace in the journey, wherever that may be for each of us, and to be open to the abundance that God has for each and every one of us.
Whatever season of life you may find yourself in, I pray that you may be still and listen for God’s voice. Do not be afraid to be bold in what you ask for. Then be ready to be all that God calls you to be in the world and to do all that you are called to do.
Blessings,
Pastor Heidi