“God pointed me to Ephesians long before I knew that our volunteers would select it for the new Stonecroft Bible Study,” says author Jan Mathers.
In September 2015, Jan and others at the Women’s Connection National Team Retreat used Ephesians to learn Bible journaling. Then, in a short span of time, four of Jan’s dear friends were diagnosed with serious illnesses. Jan prayed a prayer from Ephesians chapter 3 every day.
“God prepares the way,” says Jan. “He goes ahead of us with something exciting, like working on an Ephesians Bible study, or something difficult like saying goodbye to a friend, or four friends.”
Jan wants anyone who uses this Stonecroft Bible Study to experience overwhelming understanding of God’s love. “We can’t fully grasp it, but you cannot go through Ephesians without being overwhelmed by how much God loves us. He really sees us as His masterpiece.
“He is counting on us to tell His story and He knows we can do it. He has entrusted to us the most important task of telling the Good News, and He believes we are up for this task!”
“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”
-Ephesians 3:16-21
Ephesians 3:16-21 can be applied to every challenge, at any stage of life. Jan invites you to pray this passage for yourself or a friend. You will see that God can bring beauty to any pain we face.
Janice Mayo Mathers
Stonecroft National Board Member and Speaker Consultant
September 29, 2016