Here is one of Paul's prayers for the Ephesians:
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may
know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious
inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who
believe" (Ephesians 1:18-19).
Margaret Feinberg is a teacher and writer who was
diagnosed with breast cancer. In the midst of her difficulty she decided to
adopt a strategy: To fight back with joy.
On her first visit to a possible oncologist, she
surprised the doctor with something unique. Before she put on her hospital
gown, she wrote a single word across her chest. It was a kind of litmus test
to see whether or not the doctor would be a good fit for her personality and
for her approach. But it was also meant to remind both of them, in a joyful
way, of the big picture. What was that word?
"Victory!"*
What are you dealing with? Family problems? Health
problems? Mental health challenges? Friend problems? Career problems? Money
problems? Frustration? Feeling different because of your faith? A past that
won't stop haunting you? Consequences of bad decisions? Guilt? Loneliness?
All of the above?
Remember the big picture: In Christ, the victory
is yours! "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order
that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his
glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power
for us who believe."
Don't be afraid to laugh in the face of hardship--and
to fight back with the joy of knowing and trusting Jesus.
Matthew Ruttan
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.