In the last three weeks, we have shared with you old editions of Tuesday Light Prophetic. I must confess, I was deeply blessed as I revisited some editions originally written in 2017. Reading them again felt as though I was not the one who first received those words from the Holy Spirit. Thank you for all the encouraging feedback—it has strengthened me to continue sharing.
When we study the epistles of Paul the Apostle, we notice a consistent pattern: he often begins with thanksgiving and prayers for the churches. These prayers, though addressed to specific congregations, remain timeless and powerful for believers today. Even if we were not members of the Colossian or Ephesian churches, the prayers Paul prayed for them can shape our own walk with God.
As a young believer, one of my earliest spiritual practices was to pray Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian church (Ephesians 1:15–23). I repeated those words for years before I truly understood their depth and meaning. Similarly, in the early years of my ministry, I assumed that Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9 was meant mainly for preachers like me:
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.” (Colossians 1:9, NIV)
At that time, I believed verse 9 was all I needed to gain the knowledge to preach effectively, the wisdom to illustrate my messages, and the understanding of God’s mysteries. However, as I studied more carefully, I realized that my interpretation was incomplete. Paul’s true purpose is revealed in the verses that follow:
“…so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might…” (Colossians 1:10–11, NIV)
This discovery changed my perspective entirely. Verse 9 is not the goal—it is the means. The answer to Paul’s prayer is not measured merely by how much knowledge or wisdom we claim to have, but by the transformation of our lives in verse 10. The evidence is clear: a life that is worthy of the Lord, pleasing to Him, fruitful in good works, and continually growing in the knowledge of God.
Evidence One: So That
Paul’s use of the phrase “so that” in verse 10 is crucial. We eat so that we will not go hungry. We work so that we can provide for our daily needs. In the same way, Paul prayed that we might be filled with knowledge of God’s will so that our lives would reflect His glory.
A child whose parents invest millions in quality education must demonstrate that the training received is worthwhile. Likewise, we must show ourselves worthy of the priceless blood that was shed for us at Calvary. Our lives should reflect the value of Christ’s sacrifice, marked by holiness and obedience. True knowledge of God will always lead to a lifestyle that pleases Him in every way. Any knowledge that does not produce this kind of transformation is not the knowledge Paul prayed for.
To Be Continued…
Action Point
Pray with sincerity:
“O Lord, let my life be worthy of the blood shed for me. Help me to please You in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, and growing daily in the knowledge of Your will.”
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