November 17
Epaphras, the prayer warrior …
One of the most interesting things about Christian maturity and Christ-like character is that we are to be praying not just for that in our own lives but praying for it in the lives of others.
As Paul closes his letter to the Colossians, he reminds his readers that one of their own, a man named Epaphras is praying for them. And not just praying, but “contending” for them to stand mature in the faith.
Colossians 4:12: Epaphras, who is one of you, a slave of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always contending for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills.
That word “contending” is a strong word. It means to struggle, like you are engaged in an intense athletic contest or warfare. It is the root word for our English word “agonize.”
Epaphras was struggling, agonizing, for his fellow believers to stand mature in God. It was important for him to see others strong in the faith … enough so that he was “always” contending for them.
How often I have looked at immature Christians and thought, “they need to grow up,” without taking them to God in prayer. I admit I have been frustrated but failed to pray for them. I confess that and seek God’s help to be an Epaphras, one who contends in prayer for maturity in others.
Help me, Holy Spirit, to lift in prayer those who are struggling with maturity so that they might be all they can be in Christ Jesus. Amen & Amen.
