Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.” So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do. Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. Welcome a very humble, wise woman, our Titus II advisor, Sharon Bridwell as she shares Part 3 of a great piece of Scripture. (To get caught up on her previous posts, check out Part 1 and Part 2.)
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“…Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” ~Colossians 1:11-14
In addition to living a life that pleases the Lord in our previous Wilco Wednesday on Colossians 1, Paul now prays in more specifics for the believers of the Church. He wants us to be strengthened or empowered according to God’s glorious might. I don’t know about you, but I sense the reality of God’s “miraculous power” energizing me fully as I see His creative works in me as well as all around me! And why is it essential that you and I have this kind of “holy” power? Verse 11 says, so we can face whatever comes our way with endurance and patience. It’s like getting a double whammy of grace to face those hard times!
Putting verse 11 together with verse 12, we can joyfully declare that God’s grace is good and works in our favor. Yes, our heavenly Father loves us and wants what’s best for us—He alone sustains us day by day. I look at His hand at work in my life and what do I see? He called me to Himself, filled me with His Holy Spirit, and has set me apart in Christ, His Son. And I know the promised inheritance of verse 13 is real because I’ve already tasted it!
How so? I look around and see that I’m “way different” at my spiritual core from those who don’t know Jesus and from who I was in my 20s and 30s. Yet, I am like others who believe in the Lord and obey the will of the Father. Christ makes His believers unique, yet bonded as a family! We shine forth as divine lights opposing the darkness around us. God has placed a divine brightness within us that allows us to reveal the life and light of our Savior to a lost and dying world. Because people notice this light in what we say and do, they often ask—“What is there about you that makes you so different from others I meet?”
I sense I’m walking the edge of my eternal inheritance today. Sounds weird, right? But I’m seeing God at work right here, right now. And I’m so looking forward to entering heaven one day where all Believers will gather before the very Throne of God. Close your eyes—do you see what I see? I see a sea of people, stamped with the Holy Spirit’s seal of approval, rejoicing and praising the Father.
Verse 13 begins with the description of my past—and maybe yours, too. God, the Father, has rescued me from the “influence and power” of darkness. In fact, I love this visual of having been “snatched up” from all that is dark and evil. Yes, I’ve been rescued from the bondage of sin “by God and for God.” I have passed from the hopelessness of darkness, sin, and death into the hope-filled eternity of light and life!
In my early teens, this “hope-filled eternity” became my reality when I agreed with God that I was a sinner and asked Christ to forgive me and live in me. Each year since that day (lots of years), I have walk more and more in the light of His Word. You know—growing up in the USA, I forget that heaven IS a kingdom and that Christ IS its KING. Kingdom living doesn’t always settle well with me because I keep thinking I have rights (like in the Bill of Rights) when I actually have responsibilities due to the privileges Christ gives me through His righteousness.
As a child of the Kingdom, I have the promise of daily bathing in the eternal love and joy of Christ, my King. I look forward to joining many family and friends who already are experiencing the presence of God’s beloved Son face to face. I can almost hear the sound of laughter and splashing light. And above all this joy hangs the banner REDEEMED. I stand with countless others before the Throne of God—not guilty!
Questions to ponder:
- What does being “rescued from the darkness and brought into the Kingdom of light” means to you? You may want to share how you know God has accomplished this reality in your life.
- If Paul was to write you a personal letter, what words of encouragement might he say about you and your faith walk?
- How often in the week do you send an e-card, email, text, or FB message to encourage a friend in her faith walk? Today may be the perfect day to write her an encouraging note with praise and thanksgiving so that it lifts her heart.
So friends… what are your thoughts? Join the conversation and leave a comment.
Sharon Bridwell: Retired Navy, Educator, Titus2
Linking up today with my friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
