Week 41 – Day 2

WORK WISELY IN HIS POWER

“Him we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing every one and instructing every one in all wisdom, [in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God], that we may present every person mature – full-grown, fully initiated, complete and perfect – in Christ, the Anointed One. For this I labor [unto weariness], striving with all the superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles and works within me.”
Colossians 1:28-29 (Amplified Version)

As I was reflecting on the verses above, I was reminded of a singles’ fellowship I attended when I was in my twenties. A part of the evening was a photo scavenger hunt. I led a team of young men from a Central American country because I was the only person there who knew a little bit of Spanish. They were in the US for needed surgeries due to war injuries. One was missing a foot, and we were supposed to run around town taking pictures of specific landmarks and people. When we got in the car, the leader of the three young men pointed to the camera I handed him and asked, “¿Por qué?” In a combination of Spanish and English I explained what we were doing. His response was to shrug and say to his buddies, “Americans! Too much time on hands!” I had to agree feeling very silly. This man was younger than me and an officer in their rebel army. He had undergone incredible pain and loss to defend his home. He left behind a family terrorized by their own government’s military. We waste an incredible amount of time. Not that we shouldn’t do fun things, but the time we spend pursuing entertainment far outweighs the time we spend doing something of value to God’s kingdom. I tried to share Christ with these young soldiers. On New Year’s Eve as these same men prayed with us, the officer led in Spanish. I translated his prayer for our group, “Our dear Father, I pray for peace for all the world and that my mother would not have to live in a hut in the mud anymore. Thank You, Sir. Amen.”

Lord, we thank You for the freedom we enjoy. Help us to use our time wisely and pursue the lasting joy of leading others into a deeper relationship with You. Let our actions as well as our words be a testimony to Your power to change lives. Grant us Your mighty power to serve You more effectively.