People Need Both

 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, ¹⁰ 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; ¹¹ being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; Colossians 1:9-11

This scripture is part of a beautiful prayer made by Paul for the church. We are only fulfilled by God and in doing His will, what He created us for. We need His wisdom and understanding to walk in the path that He has for us. God wants us to bear good fruit in all our work for Him. We need to learn more about Him and His ways. He will strengthen us in our weakness and fill us with His power, for His glory. He wants us to endure and persevere with joy.

These are things Paul lived out in his life. He knew what the church would need to be able to withstand the trials that were coming. He was not only planting seeds, Paul was giving them instructions by sharing his prayer with them. Sometimes we want to pray and not help people have the skills to overcome what their facing. I know that I’m guilty of giving advice but missing the praying for people. I may also pray but never help someone know how to overcome. Jesus instructed and He prayed.

Lord, help me to always couple advice with prayer. People need both.