Thankfulness From Within

In our exposition of Ephesians 2:1-10, we saw that our new nature is a result of the new life which God graciously gives us by His power. Before salvation, we freely chose to live for our own pleasures. Now we have been enabled by faith to choose obedience to God as He works to mold our character after the pattern of Christ. But sometimes we complain under our burdens, discouraged by circumstances we don't like and by people we find difficult. In those times we must remember that we are commanded to live in grateful submission to God, even in the midst of suffering and pain. We can do this because we understand that all things are the outworking of His will for us, that He is both able and reliable to produce in every situation the good that He promises, and because it is the only appropriate response to divine grace. Live in thankful submission to Him, and find the joy and satisfaction that belongs to those who daily strive to put on Christ and practice the truth.