No Longer Controlled by Circumstances

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”

Colossians 4:2-5 (NIV)

Would you like to be free from your circumstances or environment controlling your mood? Imagine experiencing the victory and joy of Christ no matter where you are whatever the circumstance. We could move out of the “when, then” cycle that so often controls our emotions and actions. You know, “When this happens, then I will be happy, or will serve the Lord or whatever it is that follows your when statement.” 

The disposition of faith accepts every situation under any circumstance as one under the control and power of an almighty God who loves us and desires the best for us. That was the case in this passage today. Look at it again. The apostle Paul writes, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:2-5 (NIV)

Paul writes this in a letter to a church in Colossi while imprisoned in Rome for preaching the gospel. Despite how unfair or uncomfortable it was for him; I’m impressed with what he asked the church to pray for in his letter and what he left out. Read it carefully. Notice he doesn’t ask them to pray that God would change his circumstances. He didn’t ask them to pray that God would open prison doors, but that He would open a door for the gospel. He recognized a great and liberating truth that our circumstances in life are inconsequential to our call and that God could work through us in whatever situation we may find ourselves in if we remain rightly related to Him. His only prayer was that God would use him where he was to proclaim the gospel clearly. He was more concerned with communicating the good news of Jesus Christ than his own comfort, and he was in chains! Wow! What a disposition! 

What about you? Are you controlled by your environment and circumstances? “Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful” that God has you right where you are for His purposes so that through you, He may make known the mystery of Christ! As you do, your present circumstances will lose their grip on you, and you will make the most of every opportunity!

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To read this devotional online or catch up on past ones, visit kerryshook.org/blog.

As you continue your quiet time, prayer is a powerful way to stay connected to God and the family of Christ. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board offers a simple space to lift others in prayer and let them know you are standing with them. You can also share your own request and receive prayer support whenever you need it.

Another way to grow in your faith is through giving. This season, we’re celebrating how God is moving in the next generation by placing a Bible in the hands of every student connected to Kerry Shook Ministries. To join us in this mission, click here: Be Part of Growing Faith That Endures.