Remember My Chains

I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you, (Colossians 4:18).

Remember my chains. Paul endured a transformative process in his life as God dispelled his hatred for believers. From one who persecuted the Church, to becoming an outspoken champion for the Christian faith, Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, dedicated his life to reaching people for Christ. As he composed a letter to the Colossians, Paul heard the clanging of chains, restraining his movements and preventing him from escaping. He was trapped within the confines of a cell, closely guarded. Alone.

Remember my chains. Paul’s suffering is real. His faith is real. His God is real. The chains that restricted his activity did not suppress his calling: surrendering his life for the sake of guiding others to faith in Christ. The enemy believed prison would keep Paul from his ministry, but chains could not limit his reach for the sake of salvation.

Remember my chains. We all have limitations. Health, money, education, transportation, connection, age, availability, work, and so on. We hear God’s voice speaking to our hearts, calling us to reach others for Him, but instead of stepping out in faith and obedience, we make excuses and find shelter in the false protection of our restrictions. When Paul wrote to the Colossians to remember his chains, it was to spur them on to diligently keep him in prayer. However, remember my chains is also an incredible call to action! Paul did not give up! Within a cell and bound by chains, he continued to reach people for Christ!

So, remember his chains! Remember, the call on your life is important and others depend on your obedience to God! Remember that who you are and what you do matters – it matters to God and it matters to those God brings to your life. Do not allow chains to restrain you any longer! Pray for God’s courage, strength, and determination to live faithfully for Him. You have a purpose and we are all depending on you! Let’s remember Paul’s chains and take action! Let’s do it together!

Prayer: Father, God, Your Holy Spirit continued to shine through Paul within the depths of a prison cell as he was bound in chains. Satan could not mute him! Paul’s obedience to You, his love and faithfulness, are examples for us to learn from and apply to our own lives. Help us to remember his chains and may that image encourage us to not put restrictions on reaching others for You. Free us from putting boundaries on what You can accomplish in and through us! We give You our lives! In Jesus’ name, Amen.