Colossians 1:9-10, “And so from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul repeated himself in saying, “we have not ceased to pray for you.” Paul and Timothy, prayed for continual blessings, knowledge of God’s will, to have spiritual discernment, and understanding of spiritual truths for the church people in Colossae. Paul was in tune with the Holy Spirit in his prayers for this group of people. Colossians 1:9-13 is like a written manual on praying for one another to enable God’s transforming power over their lives. Try reading these verses out loud and notice the power of these words, when you pray for your spouse, children, co-worker, friend, and for yourself.
“To know God and what He requires of us is our first responsibility.” David Guzik, Commentary. As I face a new week, my questions to myself need to be:
- How will I know God better from going through this situation?
- What does God require of me?
- What is the wisdom the Holy Spirit has been teaching me recently in my daily reading of His Word that fits right into this situation?
- How have I grown in my experiential knowledge – Epignosis – of spiritual understanding, discernment, of God himself, His will, and His grace, from these circumstances?
- What is it He wants me to do in __________ situation? He is working at transforming me into the likeness of Christ.
I think of Samuel, when he anointed Saul as king, he said in 1 Samuel 10:7 MSG, “When these confirming signs are accomplished, you’ll know that you’re ready: Whatever job you’re given to do, do it! God is with you.”
So, the lesson is, the gifts, talents, abilities God has given you, use them. Do it for His glory, even though no one may complement you for doing so. Be patient and be satisfied from being filled with the Lord’s peace and joy in your walk with Him. Then, as Paul encouraged the Colossians in Colossians 4:5-6, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Go do it! God is with you!
May you see the mighty power of God today in your life as you persevere. This is the competitive advantage you possess, because Christ is in you, as prayers going up for you, and from you, are not wasted. The very wisdom you ask Him for is walking with you everywhere you go.
Listen to Matt Maher Lord I Need You (Live) Official Lyric Video. 1/31/2020.