As the preacher penned in Ecclesiastes, I understand that in everything there is a season.
With that, I have concluded that my current season is one where nothing comes easy. Regardless of preparation, practice, or polity it seems that an extra two or three steps are always required to complete a matter when one action used to suffice.
Normally that is not bothersome. But after a while, as the season continues to lengthen, each step becomes more laborious and, in turn, more wearying.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul wrote how he was praying for them. It is a prayer that I could use (and many who are walking in this same season too): “May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:11, 12 ESV).
Paul begins by asking God to strengthen the saints. The Greek word for “strengthened” only appears here in the New Testament and means “to enable.”
Thus, the Apostle is praying that the Colossae believers be enabled with the Lord’s power, for their personal power could never answer the need.
The result of that strength enables the saint to both endure and be patient. Endurance can relate to our attitude towards God in the trials and/or will He has for our lives; whereas patience speaks to our attitude towards others—especially during the season of always needing to do more.
There is one more thing His strength does for us: we can patiently endure with joy. This is a joy that allows us to take those extra steps persistently, and this is a joy that patiently puts no strain in relationships.
How I need to be strengthened with His power; and in receiving that strength, how I need to give thanks to the Father!
Maybe you do too.
