How Strong Are You?

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. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:11-14 ESV). Strength is a prized characteristic. I find the older I get, and the less I work at it, the more it seems my body simply won’t do what I want it to do. Some of that is simply aging, though I know I could be stronger through proper exercise and diet. There are numerous examples both from history and in contemporary experience. There are some men in my church who are older than I am and yet seem to be able to do much more than I would ever attempt. All of them have some things in common. They all have had lives where they remained very active; and, they all have a genetic heritage of longevity and good health. As I began to think about that, I was reminded of the Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Christians in Colossae. Our reading today details three things that he saw as important for them. First, he prays that they be “strengthened with all power.” It is not merely power over one area in their lives, but in every area. It is not merely power in the physical realm of life, but in the emotional and spiritual realms as well. Paul wanted them to be strengthened to face anything that might be a part of their journey. Second, he prays that they would be strengthened “according to his glorious might.” This reference to the strength of God broadens the request to an eternal point of view. The apostle wants them to have the power of the God who is capable of everything by the mere spoken word. It is an incredible reference that calls us to the truth that nothing is impossible for our God. Third, he prays “for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father.” I am sure that these early Christians were just like you and I. They believed in prayer and often wondered about the reason they still found themselves feeling weak in the face of their trial. Paul wanted them to have the long look of eternity in mind when they faced difficulty. He wanted them to endure with joy because they knew the final outcome. It would be for their good. How strong are you? Let me echo the Apostle Paul’s prayer for you right now. You can do whatever you are called on to do. This prayer will be answered. Rest assured!