So many of you are facing tough situations today. My heart hurts for you.

Colossians 1: 9-12 KJV: “⁹ For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;¹⁰ That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; ¹¹ Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; ¹² Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:”

This prayer is powerful. Paul’s desire is that the Colossians be filled with the knowledge of God’s will with wisdom and spiritual understanding.

Continuing through the prayer, do you see that what he is praying for them can be applied no matter what they are going through? We can walk worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him, be fruitful in every good work, increase in the knowledge of God all while going through hard times.

This past week, I had the privilege of assisting someone through a difficult time in the emergency room and hospital. She was not doing well. Yet, do you know where her heart was? Do these people know my Jesus? How can I minister to these nurses, aids, and doctors? How can I tell them about the hope in Jesus? Her passion to care for others and share Jesus both encouraged and challenged my heart.

Look at the next part of the verse. We are strengthened with all might (not our own strength, but His) so that we may be patient in enduring suffering with joyfulness. We can have “joy in the midst.” Paul is praying this for the Colossians. And, I pray this for each of you today.