SUNDAY May 23, 2021

Our Boldness and Access to Christ

...in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Ephesians 3:12-13

Notice this incredible truth: Paul revealed to the Ephesian believers that in the Old Testament, a priest would come before God to intercede for the people’s sin. Now believers do not need a priest; they have Jesus as their High Priest: Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God... (Hebrews 4:14).

Christians can come and pray to God––talk to Him. Believers have access to God’s throne room through Jesus Christ. We do not need an appointment; we can come anytime we want. It is no longer necessary to go to God through a priest, or as some people believe, through Mary, as Jesus is the only Mediator between man and God (1 Timothy 2:5).

We can prayerfully access God’s throne room in confidence by faith. We can ask God for His mercy and help (Hebrews 4:16). As we have fully placed our trust in God, we can ask Him to do His will in our lives.

As Paul continued to endure and suffer in prison, he did not want his fellow believers to feel bad for him. Instead, he asked them to pray for Him, so they could be of one heart and mind with him. Paul knew the reason he was in prison. It was for the furtherance of the Gospel––for their sakes. In his weakness, Paul had become strong.

Many times God allows difficult circumstances in our lives so that we can learn to trust in His sovereignty. God is in control––not us. We must trust that His plans will be accomplished through our sufferings and trials. Consider the influence you have on other people’s faith when they see your steadfastness. When you begin to see what God is doing through you, then you will rejoice in all the good He has done. You will not lose heart, but be thankful for all you have endured.

Bear up the hands that hang down, by faith and prayer; support the tottering knees. Have you any days of fasting and prayer? Storm the throne of grace and persevere therein, and mercy will come down.
~John Wesley~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!