Approaching God Today

Saturday - February 19th

Scripture to Read Today: Ephesians 3:1-13

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In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Ephesians 3:12

As a kid, I lived with a lot of insecurity. I've never been sure if that was inherent to my personality or something that developed as I grew - or a combination of both. But I do know that I lacked confidence when approaching others or speaking up for myself. Even as an adult, I hate approaching a stranger about a concern I have regarding a product or service they have sold me that left me less than satisfied.

Not long ago, I returned an item to Best Buy. For some reason, I lost my confidence in explaining why the item no longer worked for me. The person literally said to me, "Sir, could you please speak up." I know. I lead and preach as a part of my professional career. How could I get so insecure in such a setting? I am not sure. All I know is that it happens. I can lose my confidence quite quickly as I approach others. Most would tell me I shouldn’t, after all I am the consumer in these situations. Confidence can be an issue for me to this day.

One of my favorite verses in Ephesians is verse twelve of chapter three. Paul says this about Christ, "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence" (Ephesians 3:12). Because of Christ, I have the confidence and freedom to approach God - the very God of the universe. When Jesus died on the cross, the veil in the Temple in Jerusalem was ripped from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), signifying God opening our access to approach Him freely.

What Jesus did gives all who have faith in Him complete access to God! We can prayerfully approach God with our needs and the needs of others with complete trust that God will receive and hear us. He does that because of His Son, not because we have done something to deserve that confident and free access. Think about that again. Through Jesus, anyone who has faith in Him can boldly, confidently, and freely approach God with their hurts, fears, dreams, burdens, and desires.

Today, as you pray, do so with freedom and confidence that God will hear you. He will receive you and your request. You can have confidence and freedom as you pray. You have taken your prayers to the highest in all the universe! You come with your requests before God in Christ and your faith in Him!

As a child of God in Christ Jesus, you can approach God today with complete confidence and total freedom!