It Should Make a Difference

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9 (New American Standard Bible)

Paul’s pattern for prayer leaves me in awe. Read any of his epistles and you will find the same theme regarding his prayers for fellow believers. Many of them were young in their faith and facing difficulties of persecution, false teachings, and living in a society that did anything but encourage a deep walk with God. While he could not be with them in person, he continually lifted them up to the One who was with them on a permanent basis. God held their spiritual lives in His hands and was faithfully helping them to take steps forward on their journey. Paul was not only passionate about sharing the gospel but was deeply concerned about the spiritual growth that would follow each salvation decision. Each convert and each congregation held a special place in his heart and he expressed his love and concern in his prayers and in his letters to them.

My Bible note gives an interesting interpretation of the knowledge for which Paul prayed. It says, Biblical knowledge is not merely the possession of facts. Rather, knowledge and wisdom in the Bible are practical, having to do with godly living. In other words, my actual intake of Biblical knowledge is proportional to how I am applying it to my life. If it is not making a difference in the way I think, speak, and act it is merely mental ascent. So how will I know if God’s Word is having an effect on me? Paul proceeds with quite the litmus test.

His desire (and God’s desire) is that each believer lives a life that is pleasing to God, full of fruit from their good works, continually increasing in the knowledge of God, strengthened by the very power of God, persistent and patient in their walk, and joyfully thankful to the God who has saved them. Does it mean we reach perfection in this life? No. But it does demonstrate a need for progress. How well are we doing at allowing God to instill these qualities in us? God’s Word is meant to be read and then bred in us. May genuine change be evidenced to ourselves as well as the people in our lives.

Father, taking in Your truths is the easy part. Living out what I take in is the daily challenge. I look to You for the strength and ability to run my race well. May I not block Your work in me. Amen.

Thy Word - Amy Grant http://youtube.com/watch?v=RNkwbEwA-DY

I welcome your questions and comments to any devotional thoughts. I am honored and delighted to share my journey with you and privileged to hear of yours.