Growing Through The Gospel

As the school year ramps up, summer fades into the background, and the political season intensifies, many of us are feeling the weight of it all. Stress builds up, and our schedules become more demanding. In the midst of this, YOU’RE SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO FOLLOW JESUS. Naturally, when we want to get better at something we think of doing a thing. Perhaps doing a new bible study, joining a class, or watching a sermon. There are endless options!  On top of your personal and family commitments, you carry the responsibility of growing as a disciple unto Jesus.

It's easy to feel like you need to do more, give more, and help more grow into Christ-likeness.
But here's a counterintuitive truth: doing more isn’t always the answer.

In moments like these, the wisdom of the Apostle Paul from his letter to the Ephesians offers us a refreshing and transformative approach. Rather than focusing on doing more, Paul invites us to center our hearts on Gospel and let the natural out growth become our prayer life.

Paul's letter to the Ephesians begins with a reminder of the incredible blessings we've received in Christ. He spends much of the first chapter celebrating all that God has done for the Church. These truths are not only for the people this letter was written too but for us as well. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the key points:

• Ephesians 1:3 – God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing through Jesus.
• Ephesians 1:4 – He chose us before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless.
• Ephesians 1:5 – We were predestined for adoption as God’s children.
• Ephesians 1:6 – His grace has been lavishly poured out on us.
• Ephesians 1:7 – Through Jesus' blood, we’ve been redeemed and forgiven.
• Ephesians 1:8 – He has given us the riches of His grace.
• Ephesians 1:9 – The mystery of God’s will is revealed in Jesus.
• Ephesians 1:11 – We’ve been given an inheritance.
• Ephesians 1:13 – We are sealed with the Holy Spirit, a guarantee of our future inheritance.

These verses remind us of who we are in Christ—loved, chosen, and lavished with grace. They also fuel Paul's prayer for the Ephesians, which we can take for our prayers which become miracle grow for our relationship with Jesus.

In Ephesians 1:15-19, Paul prays passionately for the believers in Ephesus. His prayer is simple and powerful, and offers a model for us as we pray.

 Paul’s prayer focuses on four key things:

1. Thanking God for the people He’s given – Paul begins by expressing gratitude for the church in Ephesus. Similarly, we can start by thanking God for the people we are privileged to guide and shepherd. It might be your children or those in your school or work life.
2. Asking God to give His people a deeper understanding of who He is – Paul prays that God would fill the Ephesians with the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. As disciples, we can ask God to deepen our understanding of His character and Gospel in our hearts and of those we live with.
3. Praying for their hope to be anchored in God’s goodness – Paul prays that the eyes of their hearts would be enlightened to know the hope of the Gospel. In a world that often feels chaotic, we can pray for God to direct our hope toward Him. 
4. Asking God to reveal His power – Paul prays for the church to experience God's immeasurable power. Let’s ask God to show His power in tangible ways in the life of our families and Church.

Following Jesus can  be overwhelming at times. There are moments when the effort feels lacking, and life somehow demands more. But remember this: God is at work. He sees you, and He is using everything you do—especially your prayers—to build up His Church (you and those around you).

Rather than getting lost in the cycle of doing more, let’s take a moment to rest in the Gospel and to grow through prayer. Like Paul, let’s trust that God’s grace and power are more than enough, both for our church and for ourselves.

So, as you go about your busy weeks, take some time to pause and pray. Trust that, as you lift up your life in prayer, God is working in ways far beyond what we can see.

He is faithful, and He is building His Church.