Reality CheckShembull

Paul writes the following words about Epaphras, “He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” 

How comforting would it be to know that someone in your life is wrestling in prayer on your behalf. Trusting that we would stand firm in God’s will, that we will reach maturity in Christ. What an honour that would be. And if we flip the coin, what a privilege to pray for other believers with such fervency, clarity and devotion.

As Christians, within a spiritual family this should be the norm. Praying for others should not be something we are flippant about. We should not only pray for ourselves and our families, but for those in our social groups, our spiritual family and our leaders. We are encouraged through this example spoken of by Paul to pray that the people in our life will stand firm in God’s will, that they will not be swayed by the world but rather be mature in their faith and fully assured and certain in their relationship with God.

So often we hear or even half-heartedly mutter the phrase “I’ll be praying,” or “I’ll pray for you and your family,” but how often do we actually do so with such an urgency as Epaphras did? Have you ever felt you have wrestled in prayer for the people in your life, bringing the burdens of other people’s lives to God, partnering with Him in bringing them freedom from their circumstances? Have you trusted wholeheartedly for someone’s salvation and their ability to run the race and remain strong in their faith? If not, then today is a new day! If you have but it feels like ages ago, trust God to breathe life into your prayer life, trust Him to lead you so you can partner with Him in wrestling for others. 

Take some time today to reflect on the power of prayer and trust for the Holy Spirit to put someone on your heart - someone who maybe you don’t know very well or haven’t seen for a while and partner with God in praying for them, wrestling for them and their life.