A Great Awakening

What do I mean by a great awakening? I'm talking about what Paul describes as a revelation and enlightenment: "I always pray that you have a spirit of wisdom and revelation--of insight into mysteries and secrets and the deep and intimate knowledge of your Father, by having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints, and so that you can know and understand what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength," (Ephesians 1:17-19).

Wow! What a prayer! Do you understand what he is saying? Paul was telling the Ephesians, "I want God to give you a fresh revelation, that he'll open your eyes to the calling he's given you." [Remember the song, Amazing Grace where it says, "I once was blind, but now I see!"? Oh, how I love that song] Paul was asking the Lord to give you new understanding about your inheritance, the riches in Christ that belong to you. There is a might and power God wants to unleash in you. It's the same power that was in Jesus--and that raised Him from the dead. That power is in YOU. Yes, the same power that is present in the enthroned Christ in heaven is in you right now."

According to Paul, "all this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever.". is the same "incomparably great power for us who believe." (1:20-21, 19). This is why Paul exhorts, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are even in the faith; test yourselves." (2 Corinthians 13:5).

How are we to examine ourselves? We do it by measuring ourselves against the awesome promises of God. We are to ask ourselves: "Do I draw on Christ's resources to resist the devil? Do I access his power to overcome sin? Do I live continually in the joy, peace and rest Jesus has promised to every believer without exception?"

Your personal "great awakening" comes the day you look at your life and cry out, "There has to be more to life in Christ than this. All my plans have unraveled, all my dreams have been shattered. I'm living as a slave to my fears and fleshly lusts. But I can't do it any longer.

"I know the Lord has called me to more than this defeated life. And I won't be a hypocrite. Oh, God, is there actually a place where you will supply me with strength to live victoriously? Are you really willing to make me more than a conqueror in my trials? Is it true you've provided a place of perfect peace for me in the midst of my battles?

"Is it really possible for me to have continual intimacy with you? Is it true I don't have to slide into apathy anymore or struggle to please you? Is there actually a place of rest in you where I'll never again need revival, because my faith remains steadfast?"

My friends, it's all true, and it's all achievable. Reach for it and claim it for yourself!!!

Nickolas

(I send out messages like this to about 70 people each morning. If you are interested, let me know. However, you can also find these messages at: Thought For The Day)