What's Getting in the Way?

Ephesians 1:16-23

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 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, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Yesterday, we explored the concept of investing in hope. Today, let’s look at how to stay in that state of hope. In this passage, Paul is offering a prayer of thanksgiving, but also one of encouragement. It’s quite beautiful when you read it slowly and dissect what he is saying. Take time to do that now. Read each line and think about its meaning. How can we read these words and not feel privileged to be called a child of God? And thankfully, there is no other requirement to receive this hope than to walk faithfully in and for Him – the One who had power to raise His Son, to show eternal hope for all mankind! If you are not shouting out to God right now in heavenly praise, what is in the way? Let’s look at some possible blocks.