As Christians, our desire should be to walk worthy of the Lord, being fruitful in every good work. Paul interceded for the church of Colossae, asking God to fill them with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Colossae was under intense pressure from the society around it and Heresy was making inroads into the church.
“To ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.” 1 Colossians 9b-12
In our days, there is great pressure to be politically correct. We need to take everything to the Lord in prayer and discern what the Holy Spirit says about matters. Although we live in this world our citizenship is in heaven and we must always be Christ-minded. When petitioning God, we should ask Him to reveal His will for us in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
If you happen to be an empty-nester, your adult child may be considering a profession and/or a ministry. Colossians 9-12 are the perfect verses to pray over your child. A friend recently told me that her daughter felt called to the mission field in Central America. Releasing our children from the safety of our homes, to pursue the life God has called and prepared for them can be a real test of faith. Obedience is an important part of a faith-filled life. Fear has no place in important life-changing decisions.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 (NKJV)
When we (or a loved one) face a trial, move, or consider a career or mission field we can find peace knowing God always provides and equips. Trusting Him and walking in obedience is our responsibility. By His strength and power, we will accomplish His will and plan.
May God “make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well- pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:21 (NKJV)
Amy Carmichael was an Irish woman called to serve as a missionary in India (1895). She is known for opening a safe house called Dohnavur Fellowship (1913) after rescuing children from being trafficked in the Hindu temples. Her life in India serving God inspired many other missionaries, including Jim and Elisabeth Elliot. Amy led a selfless life and led many to accept Jesus as their Savior. She trusted God and WAS fruitful in the work He prepared for her to do.
Through her 50 years of ministry, she suffered from neuralgia and was often in pain and bed ridden. Due to a bad fall, she spent the last 20 years of her life confined to bed. She remained in India and wrote many books during this time. Like Paul, she learned that God’s grace is sufficient and that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.”
“It is a safe thing to trust Him to fulfill the desire that He creates.”
As you step out to face the world, remember to ask God daily for His strength, wisdom, and power to share the love of Jesus with the lost. The harvest is plentiful and there is a need for laborers!
“Then He said to them, ‘The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” Luke 10:2 (NKJV)