A Prayer for a Worthy Walk: Living in Light of God’s Will
Colossians Series, Week 2: Colossians 1:9-14 | Based on a sermon delivered on August 31st by Pastor Daniel Ostendorff (click to listen/watch sermon)
Have you ever asked, “God, what do You want for my life?” That question is at the heart of Paul’s prayer for the believers in Colossae—and it’s just as relevant for us today.
In Colossians 1:9–14, Paul prays that the church would be “filled with the knowledge of [God’s] will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.” This passage reminds us that knowing God’s will isn’t about guessing games or spinning a wheel of fortune. God has revealed His will in His Word, and He calls us to live in light of it.
1. Knowing God’s Will
Paul begins by praying that the Colossians would know God’s will. What does that mean? In Scripture, God’s will is not a mystery. He has revealed His general will for all believers—commands like loving one another (John 13:35), avoiding sin, and walking in holiness. These truths are clear in His Word.
Sometimes we get hung up on God’s specific will—questions like, What job should I take? Who should I marry? While God may guide us in those areas, His specific will always rests on the foundation of His general will. If you’re unsure about the future, start by walking faithfully in what you already know: love God, love others, and obey His Word.
As Joshua 1:8 reminds us, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night… for then you will make your way prosperous.” God’s will begins with His Word.
2. Walking Worthy
Why does Paul pray for knowledge of God’s will? So that believers would “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him.” Knowledge alone isn’t enough. Even demons know God’s Word (James 2:19). The goal is obedience—a life that reflects God’s character and priorities.
Paul describes this worthy walk with four phrases:
- Fully pleasing to Him – Our aim is God’s approval, not the world’s.
- Bearing fruit in every good work – Obedience produces visible results in our lives and relationships.
- Increasing in the knowledge of God – Walking with God deepens our relationship with Him.
- Being strengthened with all power – We don’t do this in our own strength but in His.
This is not a solo journey. We need God’s Spirit and God’s people to help us endure and remain faithful.
3. The Foundation: What God Has Done
Paul doesn’t leave us with a list of commands. He roots everything in what God has already accomplished for us in Christ:
- He has qualified us – We share in the inheritance of the saints, not because of our merit but because of His grace.
- He has delivered us – God rescued us from the domain of darkness where sin once ruled.
- He has transferred us – We now belong to the kingdom of His beloved Son. Our address has changed; our identity is new.
- He has redeemed us – Through Christ’s death, our sins are forgiven, and we are free.
These truths fuel our gratitude and give us strength to endure hardship with joy. When life feels overwhelming, remember: your ability to walk worthy doesn’t depend on your power but on His glorious might (v. 11).
Living It Out
So how do we live this out? Here are three practical steps:
- Stay rooted in God’s Word – Make Scripture central in your daily life. It’s where you discover His will.
- Walk in obedience today – Don’t wait for clarity on tomorrow’s decisions before obeying what you know today.
- Rely on His strength – Endurance and patience come from God’s power, not your own.
At Cornerstone, we want to help you do this in community. That’s why we gather on Sundays, study God’s Word together, and share life in small groups. Walking worthy is not a solo sport—it’s a family journey.
A Story of God’s Faithfulness
One of our families, Trevor and Heather Lane, experienced this firsthand. This past year brought unexpected challenges: a high-risk pregnancy, hospital stays, and countless uncertainties. Yet through it all, God’s Word and God’s people sustained them. Friends prayed, brought meals, cared for their kids, and reminded them of Scripture at just the right moments. Heather wrote, “So often our regular Bible reading brought us to the passage we needed the very day we needed it.”
Their story is a living picture of Colossians 1: God strengthening His people with endurance and joy, rooted in gratitude for His goodness.
Where Do You Need to Start?
Maybe today you need to pray, Lord, help me know Your will. Or perhaps you know what God wants, but you’re struggling to obey. Or maybe you simply need to pause and thank Him for rescuing you, redeeming you, and giving you a new identity in Christ.
Whatever your next step, remember this: God has already done the heavy lifting. He has qualified you, delivered you, transferred you, and redeemed you. Now, by His strength, walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.
You can watch the entire sermon on which this post is based by clicking the image below:
