The first verse of this is one of my favorite Scriptures, but when I read it this time, the verses after it really caught my attention too. (Don’t you just love God’s Word!)
Colossians 1:9-12
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have
not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His
will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in
order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may 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 so that you
may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father,
who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom
of light. (NIV)
Vs. 9
Have you ever wanted to know what God wants to do in your life? This verse tells us we can ask Him for a complete understanding. Need wisdom? He can make us wise with spiritual wisdom. Make this personal and pray this for yourself. Pray this for your husband, your children, your pastor, missionaries…continue to pray. What Mom doesn’t need that!
Vs. 10-12
These verses describe a life worthy of the Lord that pleases Him in every way.
* Bears fruit in every good work (vs. 10) -- No matter where or what you are doing, continue to do good, kind things for others glorifying God.
I recently finished Beth Moore’s study on the Patriarchs—everything Jacob worked at prospered because of God. Just ask Joseph in jail, it might not look like success by the world’s standards, but he continued to do good and God blessed him even in prison.
This isn’t how much work I do; it is how much I let God participate and guide my work.
I have a saying on my kitchen wall that says, “Anyone can count the seeds in an apple. Only God can count the apples in a seed.” We all have children—physical children and/or spiritual children. We need to diligently and intentionally nurture those apples God has given us with God’s Word. We have no idea what God may have in their future—how many apples with more seeds may be there for them.
* Knows God better and better (vs. 10)
When SweetBoy was little, I was overwhelmed at the responsibility to teach him God’s ways. Then one morning SweetHeart's Bible was on the table, and SweetBoy asked, “Read me a story.” And God whispered my answer, “Just let My Word be part of his every day.” The same is true for all of us. Whether you read a devotional book, an in-depth Bible study, or read your Bible and journal yourself, let God’s Word be part of your every day and you will know Him better and better.
* Let God strengthen you with all power according to His glorious might (vs. 11)
I can not do it in my own power. When Jesus fed the 5,000 plus people, I imagine that the disciples passed out a handful, then had to go back to Jesus for more. He was the Source. He still is. It is a choice. I can choose to seek His strength and allow Him to do His thing, or I can choose to do it myself. Sometimes it is hard for me to ask for help, even from God, but look at this.
Psalm 89:17
You are their glorious strength. Our power is based on Your
favor. (NLT)
(One version says “It pleases You to make us strong.”)
What Mom doesn’t need that!
* Strengthened so that you may have… (vs. 11)
· Great endurance—not just a little bit, great endurance!
· Great patience—not just a little bit, great patience!
· Joyful thanksgiving to the Father -- At the end of the day, there is strength enough to say thanks to the One who is working in you. Joy because of what God is doing. Joyful thanks is praise!
Psalm 50:23
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me.
Endurance, patience, reminder to be thankful…What Mom doesn't need that!
Vs. 12
Yes, we will be judged for what we do. But it is not me or my work that is good enough to get the inheritance. It is God who qualifies me for the inheritance. So here is my motivation for working…
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as for
working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an
inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are
serving.
And we can count on this promise of reward.
Revelation 22:12
“Behold, I [Jesus] am coming soon! My reward is with
Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.”
So much of what we do as women, moms, sisters, wives, daughters is not noticed or appreciated. Know that what you do is important and lasting and pleasing to God. Hang in there--the reward is coming. What Mom doesn’t need to know that!
Father, please fill us with the knowledge of Your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Guide us to live lives worthy of You that we may please You in everything we do. Help us to diligently and intentionally bear fruit. Draw us to You that we can grow in our knowledge of You. Thank You for Your glorious strength and the great endurance and patience that comes from You. Thank You for qualifying us for the inheritance of Your Kingdom. Thank You for Your Word and its wonderful promises that You give us. You are so faithful! In Jesus’ name we pray…Amen.
