Daily Devotions - God's Marvelous Plan

Ephesians 3:1-13 (NIV)
God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles
3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. 7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

 

Where is God calling you to be an ambassador for him? Why has he chosen you?

 

Almighty God, one of the things that I have to keep reminding myself is that You are in control and that You have a plan. I don't know how the current situations that we are dealing with fall into Your plan, but help me to trust that it does.  Paul wasn't complaining because he was in prison, but instead, he made himself useful by writing several New Testament books that he wouldn’t have had time to write if he wasn’t in prison. God used that prison time as part of His plan. Help me trust You as Paul did. Help me to not be upset, complain, or become bitter during this crisis or when bad things happen to me because I am unaware of how You can use them for Your good. Help me to remember that You are in control and my life is in our hands.  Help me to reflect with thankfulness on the mystery of Your grace through the cross and spend extra time in Your Word and in prayer. Give me courage and confidence. Help me to look for what I can do to make myself useful for Your kingdom during this situation. Let the world see Your message of love through my actions. You are a big God and I will never understand all that You have planned. Help me continue to learn and to grow through hardships like this and use them to bring You glory. Amen