Growing Together: Day 1 - Love
READ: Ephesians 2:1-5: 1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.
I received an email from a young mom at RCC who is going through an especially tough season, and I asked for her permission to share a piece of her email. Her world is a bit upside down at the moment – but she has staked her hope on the powerful love of God expressed in those two small words from Ephesians 2 - “But God…”
“But God…has continually provided for me.
But God…sees the big picture of this chapter in my life.
But God…chooses ME every single day no matter how much I may mess up or how much of an unworthy sinner I am.
But God…is a God who heals and restores.
But God…is faithful and just.
But God…knows the hurt and heartbreak I have endured and grieves with me so I am not alone.
But God…holds my family in His hands so I don’t have to fear for our safety.
But God…also holds me in His hands and brings me peace from the safety and comfort of His word.
But God…promises to clothe me in strength and dignity so that I can laugh without fear of the future.
But God.”
REFLECT: How have you experienced God’s rich mercy and great love in your life? In the last two months? Last week?
RESPOND: In whatever way you feel comfortable, thank God for His love for you. Pray it silently, pray it aloud, sing it, or maybe write “BUT GOD” on a 3x5 card and put it somewhere you’ll see it this week.