Welcome to a transformative exploration of the qualifying power beyond our abilities found in prayer, through the series of “Learned in Prayer”. Join me as I share a personal spiritual encounter that renewed my hope, nurtured my spirit, and kept me positive in pursuing my calling. Together, we will discover the immense benefits of this sacred union, unlocking inner strength and embracing purpose.

As a believer, I used to occasionally read the Word of God and pray when I found the time. Despite my irregularity, I was amazed by how God graciously revealed His calling for me. Balancing my job and personal desires for entertainment, I struggled to prioritize the preparation for this calling. However, deep down, I felt an undeniable urge to make a change and wholeheartedly commit to fulfilling my purpose. Yet, my weak flesh and its desires became a stumbling block, and I found myself in a state of feeling unworthy and lost. In that challenging season, God graciously spoke to me, renewing my spirit and igniting a positive attitude. I began to believe in His power and faithfulness, understanding that it was not about my own capabilities but about trusting in Him as I worked towards my calling and purpose.

In my journey, God imparted a valuable lesson to me through the words of Colossians 1:21-22. These verses became a guiding light, illuminating the truth I needed to grasp. It reads, “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: -Colossians 1:21-22

Colossians 1:21-22 carries a powerful message of salvation that we often hear in sermons. It emphasizes how God, through the cross, reconciled us to Himself, offering forgiveness for our sins. This profound truth applies to anyone who believes in Him. It serves as a reminder that by accepting the Lord, we too can experience the transformative power of His sacrifice. It is a message of hope and redemption, extending an invitation to those who have not yet embraced the Lord to come and receive His gift of salvation.

Indeed, Colossians 1:21-22 goes beyond being a call for those who haven’t encountered the Lord. When we consider this verse in light of Colossians 1:6, its meaning becomes more profound. We learn that the Word of God’s effectiveness and impact in our lives hinge on our acceptance of it as truth from God. Until we open our hearts and wholeheartedly embrace the Word as God’s divine revelation, its transformative power cannot fully take hold in us. It is when we genuinely accept and believe in the truth of God’s Word that its transformative work begins within us.

When God reveals the assignment, calling, and purpose of our lives for Him and His kingdom through His Word, it’s important to understand that we can’t immediately begin working in that calling. The first step is to accept that Word as true and ordained by God. Once we accept it, then it begins to bear fruit in our lives.

Once we accept and receive the Word of God in any given occasion, it then it begins to bear fruit in our lives

Just like a seed, once it is planted and accepted by the ground, it starts to grow. It begins as a small plant, then gradually becomes a tree, enduring different seasons, weather conditions, and challenges along the way. Eventually, it blooms with flowers and bears fruit.

Similarly, our calling operates in a similar manner. The Word we receive is like a seed, and until we accept it like fertile ground, it cannot begin to grow and flourish. It requires our willingness to embrace and believe in the truth of God’s Word for our lives.

When it comes to accepting something, there is often a natural resistance or opposing force or thought. It’s similar to when the ground is not fertile and becomes hardened, making it difficult for a seed to grow. Likewise, as born-again believers, we may still face challenges in fully accepting the Word of God we receive. This is because our hearts can become hardened due to worldly influences and the distractions of daily life.

Despite our faith, if we allow the desires of the flesh to take precedence and engage with the ungodly aspects of the world, our hearts can become hardened. This hardness prevents us from wholeheartedly embracing and accepting the Word of God that is meant to guide our lives and reveal our calling and purpose.

The remedy to prepare the ground of our hearts to receive God’s Word is to remove the hardness within. But how do we go about removing this hardness? The key lies in remembering and acknowledging the reconciling work accomplished by Jesus Christ on the cross, as we have seen in Colossians 1:21-22.

However, when I say “remembering,” it’s not simply recalling a past event. It’s more akin to the way you would approach a legal case when falsely accused. You would seek the assistance of a lawyer who gathers evidence to prove your innocence and free you from the accusation. Similarly, for a born-again believer, the work of Jesus Christ serves as evidence that brings forgiveness and cleansing from the influence of the world and sin.

By intentionally reminding ourselves of the sacrificial love of Christ and the redemption we have received through His atonement, our hearts become softened. We realize that we are no longer defined by our past sins or the ways of the world. Instead, we are forgiven, cleansed, and reconciled to God.

This remembrance enables us to let go of the hardness in our hearts, allowing the Word of God to penetrate deeply and shape our lives. As we embrace the truth of God’s grace and the transformative power of Christ’s work, we become more receptive to His guidance and purpose for our lives.

With softened hearts, as we receive and accept the Word of God, it initiates a transformative journey within us. Just like a seed planted in fertile ground, the Word begins to take root and bear fruit in our lives. This process is depicted in the mind map below, which is based on verses from the book of Colossians:

Before we hear and receive the Word of God, especially regarding our calling, we may find ourselves estranged and stubborn due to our involvement in worldly and fleshly practices. However, as we place our trust in the reconciliation we have received through Jesus Christ, a remarkable transformation occurs. We begin by receiving the Word specifically tailored for our calling, gaining a deep understanding of our purpose. This process unfolds through dedicated prayer and meditation, guided by the Holy Spirit. It is in these moments of connection and reflection that the Word of God becomes clear and illuminates our path.

Before the full manifestation of our calling, we undergo a teaching process through the Word of God, life situations, and tests. It resembles how a student learns in a classroom and periodically faces examinations. Through this process, we gain a clearer understanding of our calling, God’s will, and His purpose for our lives. We also become aware of the resources available to us through our relationship with Christ to carry out the mission entrusted to us by God.

To navigate this journey effectively, it requires a consistent fellowship with God and a steadfast remembrance of our calling. Just like an army personnel who continually remembers their duty and purpose, we too must keep our calling at the forefront of our minds. By maintaining a continuous connection with God and being intentional in remembering our calling, we are equipped to fulfill our mission and walk in alignment with His will.

In this blog post, we highlight a significant truth: God calls and qualifies us for our specific calling and purpose. However, it is crucial for us to be willing participants, accepting the call and submitting ourselves to God’s teaching and apprenticeship. By emphasizing our willingness to embrace His call and surrender to His guidance, we can experience the transformative power of walking in alignment with His plans. May this message uplift and edify you as you embark on your journey of purpose and calling.

Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the revelation of Your calling and purpose in our lives. Thank You for choosing us and qualifying us for the unique mission You have entrusted to us. Lord, we acknowledge that it is only through Your grace and guidance that we can walk in alignment with Your plans.
As we conclude this article, we surrender ourselves anew to Your will. Help us to embrace Your call with open hearts and willing spirits. Give us the strength and humility to submit ourselves to Your teaching and apprenticeship, knowing that You are the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance.
Lord, grant us a steadfast commitment to follow Your path, even when challenges arise or distractions tempt us away. Keep our hearts anchored in Your truth and remind us continually of our calling. May Your Holy Spirit empower us to fulfill our purpose and bring glory to Your name.
We pray for divine discernment to recognize Your voice and direction in every step we take. Help us to rely on Your strength and lean not on our own understanding. As we walk this journey, may Your love and grace flow through us, impacting the lives of those around us.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.