Stress Test Devotional April 28
April 28, 2024
REVELATION 2:1-4 | 1 ‘To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands: 2 ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance. I know that you cannot tolerate evildoers; you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them to be false. 3 I also know that you are enduring patiently and bearing up for the sake of my name, and that you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
“How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.”
The moment we recognize our spiritual state, our need and brokenness, and feel God’s embrace in Christ, is indeed powerful and precious. Newton, a slaver; intemperate and willful and
profane, recognized it and went on to become a pastor and hymn writer. Unfortunately, grace, like bread, can go stale. It can become a memory. Our first love can cool and diminish and our life in Christ became dutiful, dull, and detached. John warns the church in Ephesus of this danger. Routine can dull our love for God. Distraction can as well. Our own faltering progress can lessen our ardor. The answer is often the joy and connection of community, and the awareness that God wants to deepen our faith and grow our hearts.
How strong is your love for God?
Gracious God,
We need fresh grace! You want to do new things in us and through us. Help us to live now, treasuring your grace.
Amen.
