Unlike many
folks, I look forward to Monday morning. It’s a time for me to re-center my
spirit on the ministry God has called me to do. Weekends can be a bit hectic,
so it’s vital I rejuvenate in order to do His work.
Rejuvenation is
multi-faceted. I draw on God’s grace, peace, and strength—but I also rely on
the support and encouragement of other Christians. I don’t take it lightly when
someone sends me a card or tells me they’re praying for me. That support is
greatly appreciated.
I love to sit in
a quiet place and read Scripture. Recently, the Apostle Paul ministered to my
heart and provided the path to rejuvenation. Paul’s letters to the early church
begin with: Grace and peace to you from
God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:3 NIV
Why?
His own life was
overwhelming at times, as evidenced by his prayer for God to remove his “thorn
in the flesh.” We’ve all got thorns. Whether they’re situations, difficult
people, or health problems, the only thing that sees us through is God’s grace
and peace.
Paul knew the
importance of God’s grace and peace to keep the Christian centered, and his
letters reflect his dedication to perseverance. His burden and call went beyond
his missionary treks and letters to the early church. I believe he was
forward-thinking enough to realize, either intuitively or by divine leading,
his message would be carried to future Christian generations.
Paul’s letters
point to his vision of looking beyond the temporal to eternity, thus drawing on
God’s strength when our own is depleted.
For this reason, since the day we heard about you,
we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with
the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit
gives.
Colossians 1:9
Just as Jesus
prayed for future believers, to some extent Paul did too. This prayer was
directed at the Colossians, but it was also meant for us.
Paul modeled
ministering to fellow Christians, in addition to bringing lost souls to Christ.
Our growth as Christians, as well as the ability to carry one another’s burdens
and support ministry work, happens through prayer support. Sure, financial
support is important, and Paul speaks to this aspect in ministry as well, but
I’m most encouraged by his dogged determination to impact others through
prayer.
… so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and
please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the
knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious
might … Colossians 1:10-11a
In order to bear
fruit and grow in the knowledge of Christ, believers must be strengthened with
God’s power. Paul’s message reinforces that the only way to do this is through
prayer, Bible study, and uplifting from fellow believers.
… so that you may have great endurance and
patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to
share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has
rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the
Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:11b-14
What a great
promise! I don’t know about you, but I need God’s power to give me strength,
endurance, and patience in this fallen world. Through Jesus, I’m qualified to
share in His inheritance.
Reflection: God rescued His children from the
dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves. Rest
in that place of perfect peace today.
Praise His Holy Name!
God bless,
Laura
This post is a selection from my
new devotional, While I'm Waiting, available for 99 Cents on Amazon.com.
Laura Hodges Poole is a
freelance writer with dozens of articles, devotions, and short stories in
publication. She is a 2014 ACFW Genesis semi-finalist and a 2012 RWA Emily finalist in Christian fiction.
Laura is also a non-fiction ghostwriter/collaborator. Her passion is encouraging
others in their Christian walk through her blog "A Word of Encouragement." She may be contacted at laurapoole565@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @ Laura_Poole and "Like" her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/LauraHodgesPoole.
“Young Asian Woman Breathing
Fresh Air” image courtesy of Sira Anamwong/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
“Killarney National Park” image courtesy of
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