“…being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy” (Colossians 1:11)
Being a Christian can be hard. In Paul’s day, many believers were publicly exposed to insult and persecution, some were imprisoned or saw their fellow believers murdered for their faith. Most Christians were surrounded by non-believers propagating norms and values that were completely opposed to God’s will. Moreover, there is a constant struggle against our old self with its sinful desires, and against spiritual powers that try to draw us away from the Lord.
And still… Paul wants his readers (and us) to endure, not sighing and groaning but “with joy”. That’s not possible in our own power. But we can pray to be strengthened with God’s own great power. Like Jesus said when He was about to return to His Father in heaven: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me… And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).
If you feel overwhelmed by the pressure internally and externally, if you feel exhausted and want to give up living according to God’s will — ask Him to fill you with His strength!
That way you can not only endure, but endure with joy!