Heaven in the Midst of Ephesus
We walk in Ephesus, but we live from heaven.”
Devotional Credit: In Christ by E. Stanley Jones
Photo Credit: Unsplash
E. Stanley Jones draws us into Paul’s opening words to the Ephesians, where he marvels not merely at their faith, but at the setting in which their faith thrives. Ephesus, after all, was known more for its idolatry and sensuality than for holiness. To be a saint in Christ and simultaneously remain faithful in a place like Ephesus was no small feat. Yet Paul doesn't separate these believers from their environment—he sees them as saints in Ephesus and in Christ.
Jones emphasizes that we too are often placed in our own modern-day “Ephesus”—be it a factory, classroom, social circle, or even a church. Being in Christ doesn’t mean isolation from difficulty. It means living as one who is anchored to heaven while navigating the friction of earthly settings. The clash between these realms isn’t a reason for despair—it’s a refining grace.
The rub of our surroundings can wear us down into irritation or polish us into radiant witness. Our lives may at times feel like a mingling of heaven and hell, but we are not defined by our Ephesus. Christ in us prevails. That’s the heart of this devotional—our location may be Ephesus, but our identity is in Christ.
It’s not our outer surroundings that determine our victory, but the life of Christ within. As saints in Christ in Ephesus, we bear witness that our circumstances do not dictate our destiny. The final word belongs to Christ.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
You are mine. I have placed you in Me and positioned you in this world, not as one overwhelmed, but as one overcome by My love. Though the world around you pulls at your senses, I hold your spirit in perfect union with Mine. Your environment may press in, but I have already overcome the world. I have seated you in heavenly places, even as you walk the streets of your own Ephesus.
I do not remove you from difficulty—I indwell you with My peace. I do not shield you from every rub—but I use those very pressures to polish My likeness in you. The world sees chaos; I see opportunity for Christ to be revealed through you. The pressures you face are not signs of defeat but invitations to draw upon the reality of My indwelling presence.
You are not at the mercy of your surroundings. You are at the mercy of My mercy. I am in you, and you are in Me. And in Me, you have fullness. Let not your heart be troubled, even if your circumstances are. You were born again not into a protected chamber, but into a Kingdom that lives through you in the midst of a fallen world.
Even if your workplace mocks holiness, even if your family misunderstands your faith, even if your church lacks light—remember this: you are not alone. You are not powerless. You are not directionless. I am your constant. I am your victory. Let Me live through you here, now—in this very place.
Scripture References:
Ephesians 1:1; John 16:33; Colossians 1:27; Philippians 2:15; Romans 8:37; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:6; 2 Corinthians 4:7-11; John 17:15; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 John 4:4; Romans 12:21; 2 Corinthians 3:18
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine trying to keep your clothes clean while working with flour in a bakery. You’re not shielded from the mess—it’s all around you. Yet somehow, when you move with intention and stay aligned with the rhythm of the work, you find that your apron bears the signs of effort, not of defeat. The flour doesn't define you—it only proves you were part of the process.
Likewise, the pressures of your current environment may swirl around you. But you are not subject to them—you are sanctified within them. As you go about your day, whether it’s dealing with workplace conflict, enduring cold conversations, or standing firm in unseen temptations, pause and acknowledge the Holy Spirit within. Whisper to Him from your heart, “Lord, I trust You to express Your life through me in this place.” And then simply walk on, knowing He will.
Prayer of Confidence
Father,
Thank You that I am not defined by where I live, work, or worship—but by where I dwell in You. Even when my surroundings echo Ephesus, Your Spirit in me sings of heaven. I rest in the reality that I’m not trying to escape my circumstances—I’m abiding in Christ through them. Whether the world applauds or opposes, I know You are forming the image of Christ in me. Let me walk today as one already complete in You.
Amen.