Journal Entry ~ 01/09/19

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. (Colossians 1:11)

Patience demands tremendous inner strength.  I've been challenged all of my life with the strength it takes to exhibit patience. I have a tendency to hop on my agenda, and want everyone around me on my agenda as well. I've grown so much in this area, but I still have miles to go. 

One thing I've learned is that the strength I need to be patience comes only from Him.  Paul knew that as well - that is why he is praying for the Colossians. He is asking God to empower them for the patient endurance that the Christian life requires. But when he says that the strength of patience is according to his glorious might, he doesn’t just mean that it takes divine power to make a person patient. He means that FAITH in this glorious might is the channel through which the power for patience comes. Paul is praying that God would connect the people with the glorious might that empowers patience. And that connection is faith.  

Note that Paul also says, “May you be strengthened.”  It is a continuous action, not a one-time event. We continually need to receive His strength in order to find the endurance we need to live this Christian life. We must constantly be strengthened by His glorious night. That means we must be filled with the Spirit continually if we are to find the the patience to endure our trials with joy. 

So many people I know struggling to make it through life recognize God for who He is, and have even surrendered their lives to Him as Savior, but they don’t do the work necessary to fill their hearts with the Spirit. They wonder why God is not blessing them, why life isn’t easier, yet they don’t go to the source of all power and strength to be filled on a regular basis. 

If you want to endure this life with strength and patience, if you want to know peace and joy, you must allow the Spirit to fill you continually. You must seek refuge in Him.  


Press on ~ you are loved 💗

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