Craig Clouston

Labor Together

We proclaim him … teaching everyone with all wisdom. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Colossians 1:28, 29

Cora had stood by Jake’s side through thirty-one years of marriage and ministry—sometimes silently, sometimes not so silently. As Jake sat in his study, he raised a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to heaven. As he reflected back over the years, he began to smile.
Through every trial, every difficult situation, in every moment of joy and occasion of celebration, there were two constants—God and Cora. God had been Jake’s strength; Cora had been his balance. God had provided a strong work mate to help Jake walk out what He had placed in Jake’s heart; He had placed an unconditional love that would forever support Jake in Cora’s heart.
Jake had been wise enough to understand that had it not been for Cora, he would not be the man he was today. He thought of some of the more difficult decisions they had made over the years. Cora had never tried to force her perspective or opinions on Jake. Her spirit was not offensive; she was endowed with wisdom. God had used Cora to help Jake appreciate what it meant to labor together for God.

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The definition of labor is to exert physical or mental effort; work; toil. Laboring is strenuous, not to be undertaken lightly or with little regard. None of us is capable of meeting every need we encounter by ourselves. We all need help when the world relentlessly pounds on our door. Jake was the recipient of a wife who possessed strong character and influence, a worthy help mate. Yet even as a couple they were incapable of meeting the needs that Jake’s ministry presented. Knowing this, they relied on the power and direction of the Holy Spirit.
Paul spoke about the power of the Holy Spirit as a tangible and mighty force. As we wisely surrender our own strength, as Jake did by admitting he benefited from Cora’s help, we begin to learn how to possess our inheritance—a life lived in the Spirit.

Prayer

“Father, we thank You for the power of the Holy Spirit. Teach us to lay hold of this power by means of surrender. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”