Kneeling for Wholeness by Heidi Dru Kortman

Text: Ephesians 3:14-21.

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp 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.”

            We pray every day, whether we can physically kneel, or attempt an even more difficult thing: humbling our hearts. We praise God, thank Him for the daily help he gives us, and ask for more. Very few of us receive sudden healing, though it may be a regular plea. On our worst days, we ask Him to come now and repair the entire universe. He has decided we need to wait for that too.

            What then are the results of our prayers? Paul has recorded a tremendous list, one that can make us hopeful on the most depressing days. First, we are part of a family. This heavenly and earthly family is rich, because its Father is generous in love.

            The second gift we receive is power. Think of it—we who totter and struggle in our daily activities can have power! It may not be physically evident. We may still have difficulty walking, or need to be dressed or fed, but we have access to all the power of God. It changes our inner selves, and Christ and the Holy Spirit move in and live in us.

            This changing power manifests most clear in our motivation. Our reactions, based less and less on shaky bitterness and anger, are rooted and grounded in the stability of love. This third gift equips us to begin to see the staggering immensity of Christ’s love for us.

            Gradually, God prepares us for usefulness. While he uses us to change our world according to his plans, the handicaps we have shift from hindering us, to pointing out his omnipotence. Each of us is fully capable when working within his will.

            Why does God do this? What is his will? Paul explains that too, in Ephesians 3:20. God is eager to show that he “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” What are we to do? “Give him glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever!” We need to explain to our children and grandchildren, nephews and nieces, all the ways God is working in our lives.

            Prayer:

            Lord, you want to show off Your power in our lives. Forgive us, please, when the idea frightens us, when we think we’d be happier hiding in the shadows. Keep us aware of what You are doing, and give us eagerness to tell others. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus, and his Kingdom. Amen

Heidi

Heidi Dru Kortman DTM

God's gifts and call are irrevocable.

heididrukortman.com.

Heidi Dru Kortman, a CWG Apprentice graduate, ACFW member since 2004, and Word Weaver member has published devotionals in various newsletters, and a collected volume of devotionals. Her poetry, flash fiction, and short stories have appeared in small magazines, and a website. She is applying herself to the task of writing smoothly polished fiction.

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