In the film ‘Friendly Persuasion’ Eliza Birdwell’s response to the challenge, thrown out by Major Harvey, for the Quakers to become involved in the war, was to pray ‘The will of God be revealed and we be given the strength and grace to follow Thy will.’ This is a prayer each of us could each use to start each day. For like it or not we are all involved in a war.
Our war is not against a flesh and blood enemy. Our war is ‘against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places,’ Ephesians 6:12.
The only way we can hope to stand against this powerful enemy, who knows our weaknesses is to ‘take up the full armor of God that you may be able to resist in the evil day and having done everything, to stand firm,’ Ephesians 6:13. Paul then goes on in verses 14-19 to outline each piece of that necessary armor, finishing up with the importance of prayer.
No work for God can be undertaken effectively unless it is upheld by prayer. If we spent more time in prayer, the work of God would progress more effectively.
Do you pray each day for God’s will to be revealed to you? Do you pray for those whom you come into contact with each day, for family, friends, workmates and neighbors? Do you pray for those in you church or Sunday school class?
Do you pray for opportunities to present the gospel to others? Or does the thought of doing that scare you? Do you pray for God to keep you standing firm in times of trial and temptation?
Paul speaks not just to the Colossians but us when he says, ‘Devote yourself unto prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving,’ Colossians 4:2. Are you praying God will open up ‘a door for the word’ so that you can speak of Christ even as Paul did? Colossians 4:3
Bible verses from New American Standard Version
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