Scripture:
[9] 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, [10] so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; [11] being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; [12] giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
Observation:
Nearly every word of verses 9-12 resonate with me.
What?
Never ceasing prayer – Paul and Timothy did not cease praying for the Colossians.
They were believing in God for something for them – they believed in God’s omnipotence and were asking expectantly
Asking for What?
That the Colossians be filled with the knowledge of his will
How much knowledge of his will and how often?
..in all spiritual wisdom and understanding – a big ask but they were not afraid to ask.
Why?
..so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.
..fully pleasing to him.
What fully pleases him?
Bearing fruit – spreading the gospel, creating disciples, glorifying his holy name.
When?
..in every good work – in everything we do.
And.. not just spreading the gospel or living by his will but the action expectation continues.. increasing in the knowledge of God.
He is glorious and he is mighty. The prayer continues to ask that, through the Lord’s glorious power, not their own, they are to have joyful endurance and patience.
Then remembering that our Father chose us through Christ on the cross we have been redeemed, we share in his inheritance – we do not need to earn it through works.
Application:
It’s all about Jesus.
Yes, I want to walk in a manner pleasing to the Lord, being filled with his spiritual understanding and wisdom.
Walking in a manner worthy of the Lord is no easy task in the confused world. Satan is real and the spiritual fight is real. It often times takes patience and endurance to not give up and focus on glorifying Him.
As I pray this for myself, it would be wonderful to know that someone is praying for me, never ceasing. Praying that I know God’s will in all spiritual understanding. That I fully understand his glory and might. That I have patience and endurance that I can only get through his grace, and that I have joy where unbelievers would find none.
If it would be wonderful for me, why wouldn’t I pray constantly for someone else in this way? I should. I will.
Prayer:
Lord thank you for the daily mercy and grace you give me. I pray you give the people in my circle of influence the patience and endurance needed to power through these turbulent times, in an increasingly hostile world, with joy knowing where their strength comes from. Lord we love you and glorify you in all we do.