Joy in Hardship

Colossians 4:2-6

[2] Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. [3] At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—[4] that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

[5] Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. [6] Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

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As Paul’s letter begins to come to a close, he covers some loose ends. While he has been calling for an attitude of thanksgiving, Paul knows this is not possible by sheer determination. Prayer is essential. It not only positions us to ask God for a change of attitude, but it gives us the opportunity to practice thankfulness in our hope, as we await for how God works in our lives. We continue in prayer not because of getting the results we wanted, but because it keeps us attentive to the movement of God.

Paul opens up to the realities and hardships that accompany his ministry. Jesus warned his disciples that the world, those enslaved to sin, would hate us because of their hatred for Him. Paul was experiencing this, yet his transformed heart still desired to preach the good news of Jesus Christ, regardless of the circumstances. There is a joy that remains in Paul’s language that we should all be encouraged in. Prison became a blessing for Paul to witness to many who would turn to Christ. By taking the gospel to Rome, Paul would find himself confined to house arrest, chained to a guard who dictated his movement.

He asked for prayer from other believers, as we all should do, to speak clearly the gospel, unfolding the Word of God, to others every chance he got. To use the circumstances for the glory of God. He encourages us to do the same, for this is the joyful triumph of why God gives us life here on earth: to declare the wonderful mystery of Christ, which is no longer a mystery to us. Be wise in how we share, always to speak in gentleness and in truth (seasoned with salt; a reference to the Word of God), for if the Word of God dwells richly in our heart, we will know how we ought to reach others.

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

Matthew 5:13

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Questions

Q: Is Paul asking to be released from prison? Would you?

Q: How can prayer make us aware of the movement of God?

Q: Do you look for ways to share the Gospel throughout the week?