TUESDAY November 19, 2024

Always Together in Spirit

For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
Colossians 2:5

Paul reiterated to the Colossian church that, even though he was absent in the flesh, he assured them that he was with them in spirit. How beautiful were his words. It is the same with us. When we are absent from a brother or sister in Christ, we are still with them in spirit. We are with them, and they are with us! Even though separated, we remain connected, because we have them always in our hearts.

Paul also rejoiced knowing the believers in Colossae had good order and a steadfastness in their faith in Christ. He knew about their spiritual growth. I find as a shepherd––as a pastor––there is nothing I love more than to see people progress in Christ, people who are moving forward––maturing. Some believers may trip and fall at times, but they get right back up and continue to move forward.

It is amazing to see young Christians––those just starting out in the faith––grow and, after a year down the road, they are able to quote Scripture and share their faith. Through evangelism, having a heart for the lost, they are inviting people to church. They are passionate about their faith. They become involved in a ministry in the church and begin to discover their spiritual gifts. Hungry for more of God’s Word, some of them decide to go to Bible school where they become even more equipped for ministry. Like Paul, I am rejoicing to see them––it is exciting. They are moving forward.

Are you moving forward in the Lord? Has the enemy tripped you up because you have yielded to temptation, and you feel condemned? Know this: God’s love will always draw you back to the Cross to ask for forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Get back into the Word of God––read, pray and fellowship. Move forward. God can restore your joy.

Our faith becomes stronger as we express it; a growing faith is a sharing faith.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!