Ephesians: A 10-Day Reading PlanSample

Think You Don't Have What It Takes?

Have you ever felt ill-equipped to do something you wanted to do or knew you should do?

Sometimes, we feel that way about following Jesus. We know we should read our Bibles, but it’s difficult to sit down and focus on God’s Word. We want to serve others, but it’s hard to find the time when so many responsibilities demand our attention. We know we should share our faith with a co-worker, but we can’t seem to work up the courage. We all face situations in which we don’t feel good enough.

Paul, the writer of Ephesians, felt ill-equipped sometimes too. Paul was a missionary who wrote most of the New Testament. Yet in Ephesians 3:8, Paul refers to himself as “less than the least of all God’s people.” So how does the least of these become one of the most influential church leaders of all time?

Paul “became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power” (Ephesians 3:7). Serving the church was a gift from God to Paul, and the same is true for us. God, in His grace, allows us to play a part in what He’s doing in our church and in the lives of those around us.

Being God’s servant wasn’t always easy for Paul, and it isn’t always easy for us. Following Jesus often requires sacrifice. But just like we couldn’t become servants of God without God’s help, we can’t succeed in the opportunities God gives us without His help. Success in our spiritual lives is not a result of how good we are; it’s a result of how good God is.

No matter how hard today feels, take confidence in the fact that God has equipped you with His power. If you belong to Jesus, His power is in you, and it is greater than any difficulty you face.

Reflect:

• What situation are you facing that feels too hard? What do you want to do or need to do that you feel ill-equipped to do?
• How can you rely on God’s power today to do what He’s called you to do?