Walking in Christ

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (Colossians 1:24–2:7)

How did I receive Christ? I was searching for answers to what happens when I die, even reading a book on reincarnation. Then Jesus came into the room and into my heart. It was a surprise, and without any thoughts on my part to say NO. Walking in Him has become just like that. He appears in words, thoughts, actions, and I respond without protest. Well, most of the time.

Part of that response is having a mother whose mantra was, “We must need it or we would not be getting it” so accepting what is happening is reasonably easy for me. But the greater influence is that Jesus wants the best for me. He showed it to the Colossian church in the love and care for them by the Apostle Paul. 

To learn this love can be a battle. Many Christians think that the best life for them is comfortable, secure, and without stress. When trials come, prayer is for their removal, and sometimes God does that because the trial may be from the enemy who says God does not want the best for me, so stop trusting Him, Otherwise, like mom said, if God has a purpose for it, I need to seek that and track with Him to accomplish it.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2–4)

This is why Paul could rejoice in his sufferings. He had it figured out. Not only were those trials for his spiritual growth, but he was sharing in what Christ suffered — and His suffering had an even greater purpose. Without it, there would be no salvation or eternal life for anyone. Paul knew that his own obedience also could be used by the Lord to reach many people with His good news!

Jesus, I cannot duplicate my salvation experience except to wait on You to tell me what to do and then do it, in faith that You will use it as only You can. May You be glorified in whatever any trial happens to be.