As we go on through Paul’s letter to the Colossian church, he’s telling them about the power of God at work in us. It’s the Holy Spirit within us who’s doing the work.
Did you know that it’s what’s on the inside that counts? The things that are happening around us don’t determine our destiny. We need to learn to live above our circumstances.
…being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
Colossians 1:11-12 NIV
One of the things that the Holy Spirit desires to do in us is to strengthen our inner man. He wants to give us the power we need to stand our ground for Christ.
This life is very draining on people. I don’t believe there’s any such thing as an easy life. We all have to go through struggles and trials.
We look at the lives of others and think that they have it easy. That’s only because the things that get me down don’t affect you in the same way. Conversely, the things that you’re having trouble with don’t bother me at all. We all experience things differently.
That’s why everyone needs an abundance of endurance, patience, and joy. Those are qualities we seem to lose so easily. But they are the things that the Holy Spirit wants to equip us with.
Endurance. This comes from a Greek word that means to remain under. Sometimes we have to go through experiences that are uncomfortable. We feel like giving up. The Holy Spirit can give us the power to see it through to the final victory.
Patience. This one sounds the same as endurance but it’s a little different. It literally means to be long passioned. In other words, it’s the ability to go through a hard time without “having a meltdown.” Sometimes in the midst of problems we say or do things that we’re sorry about for the rest of our lives. The Lord wants to keep us from making these kinds of mistakes.
Joy. Joy is an interesting concept in the New Testament. It’s very different from the emotion of happiness. Happiness is based upon what happens. Joy is based upon the knowledge that you’re in Christ and nothing can touch you without His permission. Therefore, you can have a positive outlook on life because Jesus has the final say.
The fact is, apart from His Spirit we would give up too soon. I want to see the finish line and cross it with strength. I don’t want to barely finish my race then collapse in exhaustion. I want to enter Heaven with my head held high, knowing that the Lord has brought me through victoriously.
To finish strong, I must rely on His strength for my life. I must come to the realization that “without Him I can do nothing.” It’s a humbling experience to tell the Lord that you need Him. But that’s why Scripture teaches that if you humble yourself before Him, He will exalt you.
Draw on the power of the Holy Spirit today. Spend quality time in His presence and watch what the Lord can do in a life that’s yielded before Him. Make use of His promises. Let Him grant to you His endurance, patience, and joy.
Question: How have you seen the Lord’s strength working in you recently?
© 2023 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 