Colossians 4:2. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Many believers pray for what they want or need, but few pray for what God desires. But Scripture commands us to devote ourselves to prayer, be watchful, and be thankful. Why? Because the greatest negligence in the church today is our mission field. It is not somewhere far away—it surrounds us every day. Jesus commanded us to go where Christ is not known, yet we often stay still, preoccupied with lesser priorities. This grieves our Father.
The world is filled with distorted, powerless “gospels” that cannot save—messages crafted by the enemy to keep souls in darkness. What is needed most is the true gospel: Jesus is the Christ and Lord. And God is calling for a few who will risk everything to proclaim it—messengers who see the world through His eyes, who rise to shine the light where darkness has covered everyone.
When we recognize the spiritual reality around us—that darkness covers the earth and thick darkness the peoples (Isaiah 60:2)—we will stay watchful. Scripture warns us: “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Though Satan’s authority was broken by Christ’s death and resurrection (1 John 3:8), he continues to oppose and destroy wherever believers remain spiritually unaware. He especially targets the vulnerable—new believers, the doubtful, the discouraged. That is why we must not let our guard down.
God has armed us with the strongest defensive weapon—our identity: “To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
We have been set free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). The Spirit lives within us (John 14:16–17), giving peace that transcends understanding and helping us grasp the Word (John 14:26–27). We are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16). And when we believe what we have received and pray, God’s power is displayed (Acts 1:8).
God has also entrusted us with the greatest offensive weapon—spiritual authority: “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” (Mark 3:14–15).
Why authority over demons? Because unbelievers live under the power of the devil (Acts 10:38). Without knowing this authority, evangelism cannot truly happen. This is why Jesus came: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8).
And now that work continues through us. When we call upon the name of Jesus, the name above every name, the strong man, the devil, is bound, and captives are freed (Romans 10:13; Matthew 12:28–29).
So put on the full armor of God—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word (Ephesians 6:10–17). Do not remain passive. Stay alert. Stay thankful. Stand your ground and resist the devil—and he will flee (James 4:7).
You are placed in your mission field with God’s authority and His power for His purpose. Let nothing distract you from that calling.
Prayer. Father, thank You for giving me authority over the forces of darkness. Open my eyes to the unseen battles around me. Help me stand firm in Your armor, always watchful and thankful. Use me to proclaim the gospel and set captives free. In Jesus’ name, Amen.