“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
(Colossians 4:3 NIV)
Another great scripture to tuck into our hearts today, as we head out into a post-November 3rd, pre-official election world. Paul asks us to devote ourselves to prayer: not self-centered, earth-anchored petitions, but divine-aligned prayers, the kind of prayers that turn rusty heart latches and open lives to the gospel. Paul implores us to remain actively engaged in ongoing prayer. He hopes that the priority of other people’s eternities would outweigh our disdain for immediate discomfort. Paul himself was in chains as he penned this text, fully committed to suffering for the sake of souls.
I look at our uncalled election and I wonder what is coming. What will it look to be a Bible-believing Christian in another year? Or ten? Will we have the courage to choose souls over our own safety? We have enjoyed a two hundred year trend of safe harbor in this nation under God, but that may change. Are we ready? Are we willing to suffer for the cause of Christ?
I have read Acts enough times to know that the persecuted church grows exponentially. Like grape jelly pressed between two plates of glass, as the pressure increases, the gospel spreads. Hardened hearts are softened. Unreached regions are affected.
So today, we pray. We’re watchful and thankful. Watchful for the will of God still unfolding and thankful for the freedoms we’ve enjoyed for a few centuries. No matter who is in the White House, God is on the throne. It’s with great gratitude that we acknowledge His sovereignty. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17) He appoints and He demotes. (Romans 13:1) Every decision belongs to Him. (Proverbs 17:33) No purpose of His will be thwarted. (Job 42:2) We trust in Him. (Hebrews 2:13)
“Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Don’t forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Pray that every tie I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.” (Colossians 4:2-4 MSG)
Lord, this morning we commit to prayer, watchfulness and gratitude. Help us keep our commitment as we wait on You. Amen.