DAY 29 - PEOPLE WHO ARE HIDDEN

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DAY 29 – People Who Are Hidden by Pastor Dick

Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.—Colossians 4:12–15 (NKJV)

The Unsung Heroes Get Their Moment

You know what I love about this passage? Paul takes time to shine a light on the folks who usually work behind the scenes.

These aren't the big-name apostles or famous miracle workers—they're the steady, faithful friends who keep things running.

Kind of like the church folks who always show up early to make the coffee and stay late to stack the chairs. They matter more than they know!

Epaphras: The Prayer Champion

Now here's a man who knew how to pray! Epaphras wasn't just tossing up a quick "bless everyone" before dinner. No sir—Paul says he was "laboring fervently" in prayer.

That sounds like serious work, doesn't it? Like spiritual weightlifting for other people's souls.

Epaphras carried the church on his heart, praying they'd grow strong and mature in God's will.

That's the kind of friend we all need—and the kind we can be. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do for someone is pray for them when they don't even know they need it.

As Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it, "To make intercession means to stand before Christ and share in His mercy for others." That's beautiful—and that's exactly what Epaphras was doing.

Luke: The Doctor with a Writer's Heart

Luke—now there's a multi-talented fellow! By day, he was patching up scrapes and treating fevers as "the beloved physician."

But he also had a gift for storytelling, giving us the beautiful Gospel of Luke and the exciting Book of Acts.

I like to think Luke saw his medical practice and his writing as two sides of the same coin—healing bodies and hearts, one person at a time.

Sometimes God uses our "regular" jobs in ways we never expect!

Nymphas: The Home with the Open Door

And then there's Nymphas, who opened her home so the church could meet there. No fancy building, no stained glass—just a living room full of believers, probably sharing a meal and growing in faith together.

Her gift was hospitality, but what a gift it was! Sometimes the kingdom of God grows best around a kitchen table.

(Trust me, I've seen more hearts changed over casseroles than in formal meetings!)

You Matter in God's Story Too

Here's the thing, friends—just like these "hidden" heroes, you have a role in God's big story. Maybe you're not preaching to crowds, but you're praying faithfully.

Maybe you're not writing scripture, but you're using your gifts to heal and help. Maybe you're not famous, but you're opening your home and heart to others.

God sees it all, and it all matters. The question isn't whether you're important enough—it's where He's calling you to serve with the gifts He's already given you.

Reflection Questions

• What qualities shine through in Epaphras, Luke, and Nymphas?

• Take a look at Acts 2:42-47 and 1 Corinthians 1:26-27. How are you living out your calling as God's servant?

• Ask God to show you how your unique gifts can serve others right where you are.
  

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for all the faithful "hidden heroes" in Your kingdom—past and present. Help me to be faithful with whatever gifts You've given me, big or small. Lead me to opportunities to serve and let Your light shine through me. And someday, may I hear those wonderful words: "Well done, good and faithful servant." Amen. Blog

New Hope Church of God

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Carlisle, Pa

(717) 241-5544