STRENGTHENED
Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.
The Lord has given us His strength; we are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is living in us and quickening and making alive our mortal flesh. His strength and might are in us and for us. Why do we need His power? What does His glorious power do in us? Is it so we can feel the “do dads”? Now, don’t misunderstand me, I like to sense the presence of God just as much as anyone, but we must discern what the power of God is for.
Today’s scripture tells us the purpose of the power of God. It is so we can be patient, that we would be longsuffering and do it with joyfulness. Remember, this is connected to us praying for other people. This patience, longsuffering, and joyfulness is available for us, but God also wants to use us to pray for other people to experience this as well. It would seem that if we were praying for people to have patience, that means their faith may be wavering. The Word says that with faith and patience, we inherit the promises of God. Maybe the person we are praying for is about to give up on something they have believed for or maybe they are about to backslide and go back to living like the world. We can pray for them that they would be strengthened in their inner man. Remember, Ephesians 1:19 says, “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.” This, again, is part of the prayer inspired by the Holy Spirit, so we can see in Ephesians and Colossians, too, that the Holy Ghost is asking us to pray these inspired prayers over people. Those you love who are about to give up, don’t let them. How? First and foremost, pray. What kind of prayer?” An Epistle prayer inspired by the Holy Ghost.
When we pray for them to be strengthened in their inner man, it will produce patience, longsuffering, and joyfulness. If someone needs longsuffering, it means that something is going on, and they’re ready to give up; but we can pray that they would hold on. How? By praying they would be strengthened in their inner man. What else will our prayers produce in their lives? Joyfulness. The joy of the Lord is our strength. The Holy Spirit will be able to remind them of His Words to them. Like Jeremiah 15:16 says, “…your Word was to me the joy and the rejoicing of my heart...” Everyone needs joy, and through our prayers, we can help people get their joy back. Again, whatever you sow in prayer you will reap. You have been strengthened with the power of God unto patience, longsuffering with joyfulness, so let’s pray that for others!