Week 2 | Monday
Monday – You are THE reason
Written by Russ Elam (Jefferson Campus)
Ephesians 1:15-16
“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”
It really is exciting to hear good news. Whether it is a graduation, an advancement, an engagement, a positive health report, or the news of a long-awaited pregnancy, good news is always welcomed! What would it mean to you if you heard that YOU are the reason for the good news another is experiencing? That YOU were the source of joy in the life of others?
The first element of Paul’s prayer is a form of thanksgiving that, at first glance, may seem a bit unusual for us. He wrote to close friends among whom he had served for years. In developing his letter, Paul shares with them a little about how he prays for them. He lets them know that he is thankful FOR God’s work IN their lives. Paul points to how they had grown in living their faith since he had left them. Their faith in Jesus and the resulting love for all of Jesus’ people were the foundation of his praise to God.
You and I often may be the topic of another’s prayer; perhaps it is a need we have shared, perhaps they pray for a change in our attitude, or even the other is praying that they might be able to forgive us. But imagine being the reason another can shout praise to God! Perhaps it was how we used our spiritual gift? Maybe it was how the fruit of the Spirit shows up in us?
Reflection Questions:
- Imagine hearing that God had greatly moved in another person’s life because of you. How might this influence your life of faith?
- As you think of God’s work in your own life, what two names stand out?
- How do you think it might strengthen them if you shared how God has used them in your life?
- When you think of other Jesus followers in your life, have you asked God to open your eyes to see how indispensable they are to your growth? If not, why not?
Prayer Prompt:
“Father, open my eyes and heart to see how you are working through those around me.”