Less Than The Least

We all need it... some more than others (like those in denial of needing any in the first place!)

Everyone has days  were we don't need any help; then there are those days where it is blatantly obvious that you are in over your head and there is no denying the fact... "this" is beyond you.

However, knowing we need some sort of assistance and actually stepping up to the plate and asking for it are worlds apart. This is a reality for many; hence conversations that include statements such as "I can't help you until you ask me". It's not cruel or unusual... it is a necessary realization that adds depth to the experience of having received help. Certainly, it shows our frailty, our humanity and our propensity for error and inadequacies.

Conversely, it's an opportunity for understanding, for compassion, and often, an education.

Affirmation and reaffirmation of the knowledge that others care and are "in the know" in areas we might lack provide comfort that we are not lost without hope.

All the aforementioned was my vein of thinking as I read Ephesians 3 during my lunch break yesterday. Before arriving at the awesome of verse 20, (Now, unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think, according to the power that works in us...) we read Paul perspective on his purpose of ministry

Considering himself "less than the least of the saints", he offers some incredible encouragement in the verse that precede verse 20.

He prays for the church at Ephesus, that God "would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and ground in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God."

They were in need!

Strengthened by His spirit. A fresh indwelling of Christ. A greater comprehension of the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge. All to overflowing with the fullness of God.

What a great word... to be capped off with all glory to God, who is able to do exceeding abundantly above our questions and thoughts.

On this #deaconThursday, would you join me in prayer for an event for pastors with the purpose to strengthen, encourage, equip and build up their inner man. Pray for these 600+ attendees, in like manner that Paul offered. May they be strengthened by God's Spirit. Pray a fresh indwelling and outpouring of Christ in their lives. May a great comprehension of the love of God through Christ resonate in their hearts and minds. For the struggles, frustrations, challenges and difficulties that are represented... may the grace and kindness of the body of Christ supersede whatever looms over their hearts and minds. May insight, revelation and perspective bring a sense of clarity and comfort. May the only sense of overwhelming that exists by days' end, be that of the love and knowledge of Christ and the fellowship of like-minded ministers of the Gospel.
May ministries be propelled to the next level, as a result of what church leadership and staff receive today.

Now, unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think,
according to the power that works in us.
Unto Him be glory in the church by Jesus Christ throughout all ages, world without end. 

Amen.

- PNC

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