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: (1) bearing fruit in every good work,
(2) growing in the knowledge of God,
being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may
(3) 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.
Dear Church,
Yesterday I highlighted at least three reasons why we need to be strengthened with power. We have been called to bear fruit, fruit that will last (John 15:16). We must be strengthened with power to be able to do the good works that cause others to see God and His love for them.
We also need power to enable us to grow in the knowledge of God. Remember, knowledge of God grows as we participate in the truth of God’s Word. We can’t know Christ without obeying God. That means we have to step out in faith to do the great things God has planned for us to do. We will see God’s power at work when we do! Remember II Peter 1:2-4 “His DIVINE POWER has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our KNOWLEDGE of Him. . .” You can do everything God calls you to through His power at work in you. Intellectual knowledge begins with knowing God’s Word, but that’s not enough. You will never know His DIVINE POWER at work in you until you act on that knowledge.
Finally, we need God’s power in order that we may have great endurance and patience. God is always actively at work in every situation of our lives, even the unpleasant ones. He can empower us to not only endure our trials, but to learn from them and to become like Christ in the midst of them. God not only has a plan for what you are going through, but He also has the power to see you through it. Therefore, it is always too soon to quit!
Pray for God to strengthen you with power this week. Pray for our VBS to bring many souls into the Kingdom of God. Pray about who you can next invite to join us for Sunday’s services. May God continue to strengthen and empower us to be His body in this community!
In His Power,
Pastor Melissa
