Daily Devotional
Colossians 4:17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
Life may throw things at you that could potentially knock you off course but decide to fulfill your calling regardless of what may come your way. Paul encouraged Archippus to do the same in Colossians 4:17. In the overall scheme of things Archippus was a relative unknown in the Bible: He was only mentioned twice in the scriptures, and this was by Paul. Although unknown, his ministry was no less important; the same is true concerning you. Your small ministry can make a big difference in the life of someone. Archippus’ ministry was small, but it was making a difference for the brethren in Colosse. What we knew about Archippus is that he and his wife operated a church in their house based on Philemon 1:2. It was also believed that his ministry or calling was to teach the word of God. The absence of his ministry would have left a gap in the body of Christ and Paul was not going to allow that to happen. Being concerned that the circumstances of his life were drawing him away from what he was called to do, Paul challenged Archippus to fulfil the ministry that he had received from the Lord. We are not sure what specific challenges he was faced with, but the essence of Paul’s message to him was simple: do not let anything stop you from fulfilling your calling.
Paul did not only talk the talk, he also walked the walk. His life was the perfect example for Archippus because he refused to let anything stop him from fulfilling his ministry. He faced great difficulties in carrying out what God called him to do which included significant opposition from the Jews, attempts on his life and, spending many days in prison. Nevertheless, none of these things quenched the fire that Paul had for ministry. Rather than letting the obstacles that he faced stop him, Paul chose to find alternate ways to continue to do what he was called to do.
For instance, while he was imprisoned, he continued his ministry by writing letters to the churches and assigning his able assistants to visit the churches and oversee their operation. Like Paul, challenges will come but the responsibility is yours to find alternate ways to complete what God has called you to. Paul decided to complete his calling despite the obstacles and at the end he was able to say in 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course”. If you let nothing stop you from fulfilling your calling, you will be able to say likewise.
Life Application: Let nothing stop you from fulfilling your ministry by making it your focus and finding alternate ways to circumvent the challenges that you may face.
Prayer: Lord, keep me focused on the mission you have laid out for me. Help me to not allow the pressures of this life to prevent me from fulfilling my purpose. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Daily Devotional 
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