Paul desires these young believers to be strong—not just physically, but on the inside, where it truly counts.
"May you be strengthened with all power…"
(Colossians 1:11a)
But what kind of power are we talking about?
"…according to His glorious might."
(Colossians 1:11b)
This isn’t our own grit or determination; it’s His power—God’s glorious might at work in us. And what does this power do? It gives us the ability to keep going when life feels hard and uncertain. It fills us with patience, teaching us that not everything happens the way we think it should, and that the things we desire (or think we need) often take their sweet time to arrive—if they come at all.
"…for all endurance and patience…"
(Colossians 1:11c)
And as we wait—and wait, and wait—God doesn’t leave us in frustration. Instead of despairing or losing ourselves to worry, His strength allows us to walk with joy.
"…for all endurance and patience with joy."
(Colossians 1:11c-d)
That joy of the Lord? It truly is our strength. It steadies us in the waiting and lifts us above the challenges, reminding us that His timing and His ways are always best—even when they’re not our own.