The Struggle


For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face - Colossians 2:1

There comes a feeling that is hard to explain in knowing that someone is fighting for you; to know that someone has your best interests in mind. "I've got your back." "I'm with you." "You're not alone." Words like these have the power to bring comfort, relief, assurance, and strength to go on.

The struggle that Paul is referring to in this letter to the church at Colossae existed on two fronts. Lies, distractions, bad doctrine and faulty teaching was seeping into the church. It's not surprising considering that the church as shown herself to be influenced by the world that the Lord has placed us in to shine as light. We are sheep. We need guidance. And Paul struggled for the meandering church at Colossae as a loving older brother. He had likely never met the members of this church, yet he still struggled for them in the great battle for truth.

He admonished. He corrected. He sent letters. He spoke the truth in love to bring about a change of mind in the Colossians; not from a place of arrogance or rudeness, but as the need required, he spoke kind words from a humble heart of compassion. He fought for the Colossians to know the truth of God, the mystery of Christ, with restrained power and patient correction.

Paul also struggled in prayer for his brothers and sisters in the region of Phrygia where Colossae was set. Prayer is a struggle. There is nothing glorious or easy about it. That may be why we see low attendance at prayer meetings - it really doesn't appeal to our comfort. Yet Paul was called as a spiritual father to fight for the church; and fight he did. He knew the weapons of his warfare were powerful and he knew the power of prayer.

Jesus spoke about praying to the end, about faithful prayer. Paul was devoted to prayer for others, He always remembered those in the churches. He had their back in prayer. 

Paul's struggle for others resulted in much prayer and in bringing the truth in love to those he loved. Lord, would you give you us such a heart, would our prayers and our words bring encouragement and unity to your people? 

There are many today that need others who will fight for them. Can you think of someone? Is there a person that comes to mind who needs your prayers, your words of encouragement? Would you take up the cause for a brother or sister? Such a struggle is not in vain. There is great reward for the one you fight for, and, quite amazingly, your fight for them brings great reward to you as well. Heaven will prove that out one day.


Scripture References

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:4)



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