Colossians 1:9 That is why we keep on talking to God about you since the day we heard about you. We ask him that you may know everything he wants you to do. We ask him that you may be very wise and that the Spirit will help you to understand.
10 We ask him that you will live the way the Lord wants you to live, so that you will please him in everything you do. We ask that you will do everything that is good. We ask that you will see the fruit from what you do. We ask that you will know more and more about God.
11 God has wonderful power. And we ask him to give you all the strength you need to go through all your troubles,to be very patient in them, and to be happy.
12 Thank the Father who has made us ready to be with the people of God who live in his light.
Day 15—Paul knew that he would suffer as a minister of the Gospel. |
A prophetic Word regarding Paul came from the Lord to Ananiasto tell him ...how great things he must suffer for My Name’s sake (Acts 9:16). Now, in Colossians 1 we have Paul telling of the Gospel whereof he was made a minister. See these unusual words from him as he speaks of himself in this calling:
Colossians 1:24,25—I Paul...who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His body’s sake, which is the Church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the Word of God.
What character had been worked in Paul that he could actually rejoice in suffering for the Gospel! We have been a soft lot who have looked for joy along easy paths. The difficulties we might have could work for us a ...far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (II Corinthians 4:17).
It becomes apparent that suffering works a quality into our character that will make us more useful for God’s eternal Kingdom purposes.
DEAR LORD, work it within my spirit to be able to bear reproach for Your Name. I am not looking for hardship just so I can boast in that I have suffered for You. But, I want to walk in whatever path may be necessary in taking the Gospel to those for whom You died.
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