The Freedom to Go

6.7.2011

Ephesians 3:12 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. NIV

The Ephesians were (apparently) confused by Paul’s imprisonment and difficulties. They (apparently) reasoned that it was either, his faulty faith, or theirs, that was causing the problem. What Paul did for them was to encourage them to remember that by God, for God, and through God are all things; and that in Him and though Him we have the freedom and confidence to go to God and deal with them.

It is often confusing to people that they go through such difficulties or trials or circumstances wondering what (and why whatever) is happening to them. Such is the case of anyone who misunderstands what God is asking of them, and what God is attempting to accomplish in them. We would truly marvel if we could see what God sees. But until we do we need to accept by faith, and continue to live by faith, that it’s true.

Stuff happens; it happens to believers and unbelievers alike. But the one thing the believer is assured of: freedom and confidence to go to God with such things and to freely find comfort and peace with Him.

That is why Paul said this in Ephesians 3.14 and following: “For this reason… I pray…” What reason? The reason we have, in Christ and through faith in Him, freedom and confidence to approach God with all of our issues. Paul’s prayer was that they would get the meaning of how important freedom and confidence are to the human heart. Paul prayed that they would receive true spiritual resources to enable them to encompass in their hearts, “…how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” In light of all that what else matters?

Father God,
May I know it; and may I receive all I need from You to know it and know it good… through Jesus – amen.

The Holy Bible  : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Eph 3:18-19). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.