COLOSSIANS 2:1

“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have in your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face,”

Have you ever struggled for someone else? It could be a physical struggle, emotional struggle or even a spiritual struggle. In my daily prayer time, I have lists I pray through. There are some people on these lists I really struggle for as I pray. I have been praying for their salvation for years. But I keep on struggling, begging God for them.

Paul was struggling for these believers and for those in Laodicea. You may remember John references the church in Laodicea. It is referred to as the lukewarm church. Perhaps Paul knew of their struggles in their faith. Paul was interceding for these believers. He wanted to see them walk in victory, not defeat.

APPLICATION

The word translated as “struggle” is agón. It appears eight times in the New Testament and has a variety of translations. In Philippians 1:30, it is translated as “conflict.” “experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” Over in 1 Timothy 6:12 it is “fight.” And Hebrews 12:1 it is “race.” All of these involve a struggle.

Think about your family or friends. Are you struggling before God each day on their behalf? Who are you praying for right now? Stop and make a list. Lists are good. They help us remember. Make that list and when your prayer is answered, celebrate.

I have people in my family who need Jesus. I am claiming them for Him. I want them to spend eternity with me in heaven. I bet you have people also. Be active in their journey. You don’t have to shove Jesus down their throat, but you should at least be praying for them. Now go make that list.

Father, You know all those for whom I am praying. Speak into their lives today.