Seated in the Heavenlies: Seeing Ourselves as God Sees Us – Ephesians 2:1-10

Hello, sisters in In Him We Live!

What a joy it is to gather in God’s Word together. Today we dove into Ephesians 2:1–10 (reading across several translations including The Message, NLT, NKJV, and KJV to let the truth sink in fresh). These verses draw a stunning contrast: who we were in our old, sin-bound life versus who we are now in Christ.

We used to be dead in our trespasses and sins, following the course of this world, obeying the prince of the power of the air—the spirit at work in the sons of disobedience. We lived according to the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just like everyone else.

But God—rich in mercy, because of His great love—made us alive together with Christ. By grace we have been saved. He raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly places. Now God has us exactly where He wants us: with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus.

Saving is all His idea and all His work. All we do is trust Him enough to let Him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish. We don’t play the major role—if we did, we’d brag. We neither make nor save ourselves. God does both. He creates us anew in Christ Jesus for the good works He prepared in advance for us to walk in.

What explodes in my heart every time I read this is how God sees us right now: seated in the heavenlies, united with Christ, examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness. Not striving survivors, but beloved daughters already positioned in victory. Our spiritual position is secure—Jesus paid for it completely.

Yet so often we still identify with the old: the shame, the mistakes, the “I’m not worthy,” the victim mentality.

Here’s a question: If shame had a voice, what would it say?

Many of us hear things like: “You’re unworthy.” “You’re too far gone.” “You’ll never measure up.” “You are your failures.” “You should hide.”

Shame creates distance—just like Adam and Eve hid from God after the fall. It twists our identity, tries to label us by what we’ve done instead of who Christ has made us. But shame is not from God. Regret can lead to repentance, but shame keeps us stuck, wallowing in the mire our flesh loves to revisit.

The flesh craves rules, formulas, checklists—something to satiate it. The flesh demands, “Tell me what to do so I can fix this.” But grace, love, mercy, and kindness don’t fit in a box. They flow from the Spirit. The flesh is never satisfied; it overindulges, complains, compares. The Spirit reminds us: perfection isn’t the goal—His perfection is. His ways are perfect, full of grace, mercy, and love.

What if we truly believed God’s Word about us?

• We are no longer under the commander of the powers of the unseen world.

• We are not children of wrath, but objects of mercy.

• We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ for good works.

• We are living displays of His grace and kindness.

Imagine waking up and seeing yourself seated in heavenly places. Imagine facing problems knowing there is always a godly solution—because God is greater than our mistakes, failures, or bad decisions. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

There is no temptation without a way out. We are never without resources—His Word, His Spirit, His presence. “But God…” changes everything.

Practical encouragement for today:

• When shame whispers lies about your identity, counter with truth: “I am in Christ. I am seated with Him. I am an example of His grace.”

• Let go of perfectionism—it’s subjective and keeps us from living. God’s perfection is grace-filled.

• Love God, love your neighbor as yourself, point people to Jesus. That’s our side.

• In relationships (spouse, children, friends), don’t let emotions rule. We can respond in the Spirit—wise as serpents, innocent as doves.

• Ask God daily: “Father, what does living this out look like right now?” Then listen, feel His peace or prompting, and obey – let it flow out of you!

Sisters, you are not weird for loving God deeply. You are beautiful, beloved, accepted—daughters seated in the heavenlies. Whatever God has placed on your heart—whether healing the sick, serving in quiet ways, or simply loving the people in your sphere—go after it with Him. He gives the power.

I love you all so much. Keep pressing into Him.

In Him we live, move, and have our being.

Until next time, rest in who He says you are.

Heidi

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