[We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy.
Colossians 1:11 AMPC
Yesterday we talked about my son and his distance running. And let me tell you, running long miles doesn’t just happen. He didn’t just wake up one day and say, “I’m going to run 16 miles today.” He had to work up to it so his lungs and his legs could endure it.
He also has to fuel his body with the right foods. He needs energy to be able to sustain himself on long runs. The night before a big race, he carb loads, which means he eats more carbohydrates than usual so his body has energy reserves during the race the next day. But carbs are not all he eats. He still needs to eat from the other food groups to help properly fuel his body.
We can’t run this Christian race without “carb loading.” Part of “carb loading” is to be continually feasting on the Word of God, but we also need more. We need the power and might and glory of God at work in us too. I love this prayer. Paul prayed that they would be invigorated and strengthened with ALL power according to the might of His glory.
We want the power! We want the glory! And when I think of what His power and glory are capable of, I think of signs and wonders and healings. I pray for mountains to move and miracles to come.
But that’s not all that His power is meant for. Here Paul lets us know through his prayer that we need God’s power and glory in us to help us exercise every kind of endurance and patience and perseverance with JOY.
God’s power did part the Red Sea, heal bodies, and raise Lazarus from the dead. But it is also present to help us exercise the patience and endurance needed to successfully walk this faith life out to the end.
Let’s pray together.
Lord, Your Church in the city of Warren needs Your power! We need Your power. We pray that You will strengthen us with the power that already dwells within us to exercise endurance and patience. Strengthen us to take every step necessary to fulfill Your will for our lives today. Fill us with Your power to be able to fully and adequately represent You in every word we speak and every decision we make today. In Jesus’ Name, amen.