Ephesians 4:7 (NKJV)

Bible Commentary

Ephesians 4:7 in the Bible spoke volumes to me today. I needed a reminder that God delights in giving good gifts to His children. My heart was heavy, as a sweet friend lost her daughter to a crippling disease known as ALS.  Even though my friend’s faith was strong and she believed for a miracle over these past 3 years, her faith did not bring the fruition of physical healing to her daughter, also a mother of two, whom she left behind.

It was a painful reminder to me that even though my husband and I also believed for a miracle of healing for my father-in-law, it was not granted and he left us to be at home with the Lord.  My husband and I discussed it. The Bible says all things are possible for those who believe (Mark 9:23). Jesus said many times “Your faith has made you well.”

Over and over in the Bible it says how important our faith is. If God told us to believe for healing, then why didn’t He heal them?

What good is our faith if it doesn’t “work”? Hmmm, maybe that’s the wrong question.

Maybe the question should be, “Will I continue to love God even though He didn’t come through for me?” or “Can I trust Him again?” or “Can I be satisfied with His answer, even though it wasn’t the one I thought I was getting?”

Mad at God

We can be mad at God. He understands. But then what? What comes after the disappointment, depression and resentment toward God and toward life? The answers to the questions above are paramount as to how our relationship with Him progresses.

We can choose to humble ourselves and accept His way, or we can stay in the vulnerable position of pride. This passage reminds me that God is God and I am not.

Hebrews 12:1-2

let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

You see, the Lord is God of all things, even our faith. He created it. He is the perfecter of it. Somewhere along the line, I began to think I had control of things because of my level of faith and all the things “my faith” could accomplish. He had to remind me that I am not God. My faith does not control things. He alone is God and He is on the throne, and not me or my faith.

Jesus is the One

Jesus is the One Who hung on that cross. And He did it for me. He did it for you. If we let our pride rule our emotions and our attitudes, we are susceptible to deception and exposed to the devil’s fiery darts. But when we humble ourselves and surrender to God and to His ways, even though we don’t like them, then we are safe behind the armor of God.

We must remember that God is sovereign. As we humble ourselves and put our armor back on, our peace and joy return because we are safe in the Father’s arms. He delights in giving good gifts to His children.

My Gift

Abba Father reminded me today Who He is. When I take my morning walk in our small and quiet community, it is generally a private time with the Lord. But today, a neighbor saw me and motioned for me to come and look at her new puppy. A beautiful little Dachshund, she was soft and sweet with pink toes and dressed in a polka-dotted handkerchief. What a blessing to be reminded of God’s fresh, new life.

A few steps farther, and I got to witness another neighbor who had just pulled up with her new (used) boat and was showing it to her mother and friend. They greeted me excitedly as they were looking at all the compartments and gadgets in their new toy. My heart was smiling as I continued my walk.

God indeed loves giving good gifts to His children. We may experience loss and pain, but remembering the heart of the Father helps us to stay in tune with the brightness of His coming.

Let’s humble ourselves under God’s sovereignty as we remember Ephesians 4:7.

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.