“Since the day we heard (of your faith in Christ), we do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be FILLED with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (in order that) you might WALK WORTHY of the Lord, pleasing Him in all things, being FRUITFUL in every good work, and INCREASING in the knowledge of God; STRENGTHENED with all might, according to His glorious power, into all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; GIVING THANKS to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who has RESCUED us from the power (authority) of darkness, and has TRANSFERRED us into the Kingdom of His dear Son.” – Colossians 1:9-13
This delightful run-on sentence describes the lives of those Christ has saved. In every way there is goodness, fruit, and strength – even while walking through this malignant, decaying world. This is the promise of “Christ in you” – bringing his righteousness in everlasting strength, making us like trees, planted by the rivers of water, able to bring forth fruit in every season, while the world grows darker and ripens for judgment.
The authority in our lives is Christ alone. The darkness cannot define or defeat us. His Spirit fills us with all the nourishment we need from Christ (through His Word), so that we can survive this present darkness - and not just survive - but thrive and overcome it. Have you noticed how Christ sees His blood-bought people when He returns? … “perfect in Christ Jesus... unblameable in holiness… preserved blameless.”
Dear Believer, these days are not going to destroy you, but strengthen and prepare you for all that is to come. Our job is to fill our hearts and minds with His will and do it. He will do the rest.
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