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Knowing Isn’t Enough
Paul is praying a prayer for the Ephesian followers that is so audacious, so aspirational, so beyond my current experience that I can only join Paul in the hope of God answering this prayer. He prays that, by the power of the Spirit, they would be “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God”. I don’t know, but I’m guessing that that’s pretty full. I’m guessing that when I get filled up that full, the desert will be washed away flood of love and power.
But the part that gripped me most in this verse was where he asked that we might “know this love that surpasses knowledge”. Paul is talking about an experience of knowing. He is NOT talking about stuffing our heads with another factoid about God.
So how much of my daily experience of God is based on merely factoid stuffing and unstuffing as opposed to a genuine living experience of God and his love? An experience of love that transcends mere knowledge? I know myself well enough to know that I gravitate to knowledge stuffing. It seems to be easier. It requires less of me. It allows me to protect my heart of stone and ignor my heart of flesh. I’m safe there. Hidden. Hidden in the dark. Lonely. This is not the experience of life, love and God that God intends for me and you. And, though it’s a bit of a mind-bender, God prompted Paul to pray this prayer to God so that God could show us what God himself prays for us.
I have to conclude that God’s desire is to answer this prayer. And amazingly, there is not one item in this prayer from verse 14 to 21 that I could call a task – something I need to do to earn this. But I do see word “power” repeated over and over again. The power of, through, and in accordance with God’s Spirit. Power to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. This is more than I can hold in my head. But that’s the point isn’t it.
Jon thanks for being honest. Deserts are not fun unless you have water then they can be a beautiful place.The thing I try to remember when in the wilderness is Christ came through that too. I believe God is preparing you for a great time of growth. Today’s verse reminds me too that it is God who does a work in you. Nothing we do or can do can change God’s love and the fullness of that love.
Please remember to pray for John Jr. today he lands and experiences Kenya for the first time today.
I heard a great teaching last night that talked about this — remember that there is nothing you can “DO”, no action you can take, to make God love you more than He loves you right now! Rest in that love, be honest with others about what you’re experiencing and let them minister to you, and God’s grace will bring you through. We love you, Jon, and are praying that you are filled to the measure of all the fullness of God!
You guys do not know me, my husband and I have been visiting Cumberland off and on since October. We are going to be moving to the area soon to work with a ministry called Apartment Life. We have had to wait about joining Cumberland, just to make sure the Apartment we are placed in is close enough to the church. So we have just been hanging around in the background checking things out. I am amazed and truly blessed by the honesty that you guys have about your walks with God. I love that no one pretends to have everything together. I have grown so much in my walk with God just in the short time we have been visiting Cumberland. “Knowledge Stuffing” is easier for me as well, it seems safer. I can look as though I’m trusting God, while still secretly feeling in control myself. God has made this impossible for me lately, and I’ve had to throw myself completely in his hands trusting him. I’ve had to deal with some health issues that are out of my control along with this move. I have no choice but to trust him to take care of what is going on in my life and I am thankful that through these experiences I will be able to experience his power and love first hand.
Bonnie, I spent the first 15 or 20 years of my Christian life pretending I had it all together. Then God woke me up to the fact that He had some healing to do in me. I realized as I wrestled through my own stuff that everyone else had their share to wrestle through as well. The effort that it took to maintain appearances, and the toll that it took on my family, my church, and my own soul made the hiding game unsustainable. It’s just not the way of Jesus.
I’m glad you are taking encouragement and growth away from your CCC experience. I hope to meet you and your husband one day in the near future. And please, keep us posted on you and anything we can pray with you about.
well done jon.
see you in the morn.
blessings my friend.
love your sincerity Jon.