Eph 3: 12-13 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. In one of my classes at school we are reading "Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good" by Steven Garber. We recently finished reading the last chapter called "Learning to Live Proximately." The chapter focused on a strong theme of how we must learn to live incarnationally to particular people and particular places. We are called to live in long obedience, keeping at the tasks that we are given. Garber writes, "The Hebrew vision that echoes across the centuries and through cultures offers a different way to be human, where knowing becomes doing. And the Christian vision incarnates this conviction, telling the story of the Word becoming flesh, and of words becoming flesh in and through our vocations." Paul writes in verse 13 "I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory." It is important to look at the context of where and why Paul's letter was being written. Paul was writing from prison. Why was he in prison? For bringing the good news of Jesus to the Gentiles. Paul knew that he was being used for a purpose. He was living out what he was chosen to do, and what he was called to do: preaching the gospel, the good news of Jesus. Paul suffered for others just like Jesus. Paul acknowledges the wisdom and grace that God gave to him throughout his letter. He recognized his responsibility in bringing the good news to others. Paul's knowing of Jesus became doing, traveling to bring the good news to the unreached. In a way this can be related to vocation. As Garber writes it's "that to which I am called as a human being, living my life before the face of God." It is bringing together all of life, wholeness in the responsibilities and relationships that we encounter in our days, living for Jesus. Paul knew he was being used for a greater purpose because of his trust and confidence in Jesus. In verse 12 he writes "In him and through faith in him we way approach God with freedom and confidence." This is good news for us. We can have trust and confidence in Jesus, knowing what Jesus has done for us. Through Jesus we have access to God. The whole church, united in identical boldness, has access to God with no fear or shame. By faith in what God has done and is doing, we can trust and know that each of us has a place in the service of God's eternal plan.  20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

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