Paul - “We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.” (Colossians 1:11)
What kind of “power” do you desire to have in your life? Most of us would like to have the power to do well in school, advance in our career, make a lot of money, become an influencer of others, etc. Some would like to have the “power” to share the gospel, teach God’s Word, heal the sick, or help people get free. But we all need the power to live godly lives and know God better (Colossians 1:10) and the power to endure life’s challenges and live with patience and faith in the Lord.
Why is endurance so important for our lives? Endurance, the ability to sustain effort or resist fatigue, is crucial because it empowers us to overcome challenges, achieve goals, and live healthier, more fulfilling lives. We will always face obstacles and opposition, so we must learn to endure and overcome them. Working through pain and discomfort brought by obstacles and opposition “toughens us” and enables us to overcome even bigger challenges in the future. It’s good to have periods of time without obstacles or opposition, but life wouldn’t be meaningful if we didn’t overcome challenges. James 1:12 says, “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
Patience is “the ability to endure trouble without complaining, or calmly tolerate delay, confusion or inefficiency.” Patience helps us to strengthen relationships and learn things that we need to know to grow in life, and developing it brings spiritual blessings to our lives. Proverbs 16:32 says, “Better to be patient than powerful.”
What actions or attitudes can help us become more patient and enduring? Seeking to be less self-centered in our life approach helps us be more patient and enduring. When we’re impatient with God and others, it’s because we’re focusing on ourselves - our needs, desires, goals, wants, or schedules and seeing how others are messing up our lives. Developing a sense of humor helps us to be more patient and enduring. Developing our faith helps us to be more patient and enduring. And depending on God’s Spirit helps us to be more patient and enduring (Galatians 5:22)
Prayer - Lord, since life is filled with obstacles and opposition, help me learn to endure and overcome those challenges and be patient while doing so.
Reflection - How am I doing with the development of endurance and patience in my life? And what steps can I take to further develop those qualities in my life?
