I know this is a publishing blog, but sometimes I feel the need to veer away from a “writing” message. Last night as I was praying I came to this Scripture that I want to share. Colossians 1:9-13
…we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son…
People all over the world suffer daily, but right now, so many with whom I personally interact are having to persevere through family crises, health issues, financial woes. It is so difficult to understand the reasons God allows hardship, illness, suffering–mental and spiritual anguish. So difficult to remember that He allows all this for a reason. But in the midst of trial, remember Colossions; remember He “has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.” Part of that inheritance includes pain and suffering–one look at the crucifixion conveys that. Try to remember, He allows this so that you may acquire “knowledge of his will through spiritual understanding”–because when the physical becomes too much to bear, we see the spiritual more clearly if we lean on Him. He allows this so that through “all endurance and patience, with giving joy to the Father” you might come to be “fully pleasing in every good work bearing fruit.”
So, bear good fruit–share your suffering with others. You never know who might be strengthened–even saved–by that bond of commonality.
So, bear good fruit–share your suffering with others. Allow someone the grace and opportunity to pray for you, and thereby to obtain a greater union with God for themselves.
So, bear good fruit–share your suffering with others so that you don’t have to bear the burden alone. Allow someone the opportunity to practice the virtue of charity.
And with joy, give “thanks to the Father” After all, “He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son”. With a little–OK, sometimes, a lot of–perseverance, He will see you through your trials.
To those of you who have asked for and need prayer, I’m praying for you. If you read this post and need prayer yourself, leave a comment, and I’ll be sure to pray for you, too.
Such a great reminder! Sometimes we do get discouraged but should always have hope : )
And I'm later still! Excellent advice, Nicola. Sometimes it takes courage to admit you are having problems because don't we all want to be perceived as perfect? Let me see if I can find some! God bless us all!
Hey Delia…better late than never! 🙂 Thanks for dropping by
I'm late as always, but so enjoyed this post, Nicola! It's so important to bear "good" fruit in all those different ways. Too often we think of bearing good fruit as doing good things, but that's not all it's about. Thanks for this timely reminder!
Glad you enjoyed it, JoAnn. Thanks.
I enjoyed your post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts from your devotions. I love that passage of Scripture.
Hey Marianne, you are not alone in that department, let me tell you! I will defintely pray for your daughter.
Thanks, Tanya. They really touched me, and I completely agree with you. 🙂
What a beautiful post. I've always had difficulty grasping the 'share with others' part because I don't like the idea of adding to the crosses/concerns of others. At the same time, however, when prayer requests come along, I enjoy the grace of praying, and helping to uplift. Why shouldn't I give others that grace on my behalf? The words from Colossians, in the context you present, are very powerful indeed! God bless, and please pray for my daughter. She's facing turmoil right now, and is working hard to stay true to herself, and to God. Please pray for His provision and loving hand in her life.
Beautiful post, Nicola, and words to remember in good times as wekk as good. Thank you!