In today’s reading, Paul and Timothy are writing to the church at Colossae. They continue to write to these believers from prison chains. They are giving more instructions to their followers. The message in these instructions is to remember the importance of prayer. They are instructed to devote themselves to prayer. They are instructed to pray for Paul and Timothy to have opportunities to reach others they meet with the message of Christ and to do so clearly for others to understand this message. The passage calls on them to be smart in the way they approach those who have not heard the message. They are instructed to make the most of every opportunity they have to share. These conversations should be full of grace and seasoned with the Word of God so they are prepared to answer all people they meet. 

Can you imagine being in prison for telling others about Jesus? We have the freedom to share without worrying about being arrested. Paul and Timothy are still telling others from the chains they were wearing! They were very aware of what the early churches needed to become stronger. They are continuing to teach and challenge them without being concerned for their own situation. Would you be confident to share the Word of God if it meant you might be sent to jail? Do you believe that God would bless you as you shared? Do you understand the power of prayer? 

God used Paul and Timothy to encourage the Colossians to continue the church’s mission and to instill the importance of prayer. Pray for those that you know and don’t know. Ask God to give you opportunities to go out into the community and show His love.