Growing in Godliness: To Know God’s Will

The Word: “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:9-12).

The Breakdown: Paul’s prayers are often described as “unceasing.” He was able to pray without ceasing for other people because he was continually aware of the presence of God and the needs of people—he loved God and loved his neighbor (Matt. 22:37-39). And in his prayer for the Colossians, the first thing he prays for is “that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will.” He desired that they would be completely filled and controlled by having the knowledge of God’s will so that they would live in obedience to the Lord.

Activate: Many people wonder what God’s will is, but Scripture clearly describes what the general will of God is for every Christian. But we often want to know God’s specific will for our lives, which is why Paul prayed for “the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Paul prayed for them to have a deep and thorough understanding of God’s will as revealed in Scripture so that they may know God’s will for specific situations.

A Thought: Like Paul, pray for others to know the will of God as revealed in the Bible, for God’s will is always based on His Word. Then they will have the necessary spiritual wisdom and understanding for all of life’s scenarios and situations. Pray for God’s will!