Equipped For Endurance

Being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. Colossians 1:11

Can you guess what part of this verse my mind focused on first? The answer is, ‘for all endurance and patience’. Did you guess right, or did you give me a bit more spiritual credit? To be honest, I am disappointed in myself. Why is it easier to focus on the hard stuff than it is to focus on the great? Changing our mindset isn’t always easy, (although a different day will often bring a different response), but it is necessary, because the devil will use the hard parts to pull us down. He is more than happy for us to hone in on the end thought – ‘I must endure, I must be patient, and I must do it with a smile on my face’ – rather than live in the truth of the first: Being strengthened with all power.

When we change our mindset, we change our perspective. We move from our own human ability to His spiritual providence, which is given to us in accordance with his glorious might. So, just how much strength does the Lord have? You are absolutely right; He has all the strength and all the power, and best of all, he has given us access to it. We will need to endure at times, and we will need to have patience, but it is not always for negative situations.

When we read this verse in context with verses 9, 10 and 12, we see the great things that patience delivers: Knowing the will of God, receiving spiritual wisdom, and obtaining understanding. These things are all necessary so that we can walk in a worthy manner that pleases God; work productively; and get to know him better. In all this, endurance is key because this is the ultimate walking challenge. Forget Land’s End to John O’Groats, or even Berlin to Beijing, this walk is from earth to heaven. And what is the prize at the end of this walk? ‘To share in the inheritance of the saints in light.’ Now that has got to be worth being patient and joyful for!

You are equipped for endurance with the divine spiritual strength and power of Almighty God, so that you can walk with him, work for him and grow in him.