Autumn is passing too fast. The rich russets and golds,
oranges and browns are piling up, gathered in clumps round the garden by strong
winds and left in those heaps to moulder into black, slimy hillocks.
And so in life. When those golden years of retirement begin
to drop into months or years of what may appear as uselessness, when age and
infirmity steal all vestiges of dignity and choice, it may appear that life is black
and slimy.
I was reminded yesterday that Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians
while in chains in a Roman prison. What a role model for us! While he was in a
situation not of his choosing, where choice was lost and dignity stolen, his
spirit soared to such heights that he could write the incredibly inspiring
prayers we have. This is the second one in the letter:
For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom His
whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His
glorious riches, He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your
inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray
that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with
all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high in deep is the love of
Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled
to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do
immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power that
is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Jesus throughout all
generations, forever and ever! Amen Ephesians 3:14-21
Amen! May we all be so strengthened today, especially those for whom life is extremely tough right now.
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