In his letter, Colossians, Paul repeatedly says how he wants to come to the converts of Colossas. He gives reason for not doing so, that he was prevented by the enemy.
"...because we wanted to come to you--I Paul, again and again--but Satan hindered us."
In seeming agony and almost despair, he says "..when we could bear it no longer..." Two times, 3:5 and 3:7. When he finally gets word of assurance that the people are following in the teachings of Christ, his joy overflows!
"...in all our distress, we have been comforted about you through your faith..."
Do missionaries feel this? I'm not a missionary, but I experiencd this. More than comfort, but overwhelming joy over seeing and speaking with a young man who I knew when he was just a child. He and Sam played together as children. This young man, now grown, happily married with three children could not speak without the joy of the Lord in every sentence. Not a false, hallelujiah, amen talk, but humble and devoted to Jesus. His quiet excitement of finding a good church and his espousement of living for God, seeking to give Him all glory. And his broken heartache that his only sibling was now living a life separated from the God who binded their family throughout their lives. Still, the joy I felt and conviction to continue to pray for the sibling, comforted me. It gave me hope and confirmation of God's work in those I cannot see, but those He has called me to pray for.
"...because we wanted to come to you--I Paul, again and again--but Satan hindered us."
In seeming agony and almost despair, he says "..when we could bear it no longer..." Two times, 3:5 and 3:7. When he finally gets word of assurance that the people are following in the teachings of Christ, his joy overflows!
"...in all our distress, we have been comforted about you through your faith..."
Do missionaries feel this? I'm not a missionary, but I experiencd this. More than comfort, but overwhelming joy over seeing and speaking with a young man who I knew when he was just a child. He and Sam played together as children. This young man, now grown, happily married with three children could not speak without the joy of the Lord in every sentence. Not a false, hallelujiah, amen talk, but humble and devoted to Jesus. His quiet excitement of finding a good church and his espousement of living for God, seeking to give Him all glory. And his broken heartache that his only sibling was now living a life separated from the God who binded their family throughout their lives. Still, the joy I felt and conviction to continue to pray for the sibling, comforted me. It gave me hope and confirmation of God's work in those I cannot see, but those He has called me to pray for.
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