Wondered by the Word — The Bible in a YearSample

In His Strength

Key Verse: Colossians 1:29

We’re nearing the end of this journey through the Bible, and this week we’re reading more of the Apostle Paul’s writing. In Acts 9, you got to read about his miraculous conversion, and in 2 Corinthians 11, you read about some of the horrific things he endured for the sake of Christ (plus much more in between). To call Paul a hero of the faith is an understatement. Looking at his life and all that he accomplished for the glory of God, I am challenged by his hard work and commitment to the Kingdom of God.

In Colossians 1, he tells the church of Colossae that he actually rejoices in his sufferings (v. 24) because he knows he’s being obedient to the call God has on his life to preach the Gospel. Is he even human?! How can a person be so strong? My “suffering” seems like nothing compared to what Paul faced, and I don’t know if I could honestly say that they lead me to rejoice.

So, what’s Paul’s secret? Where did he find the courage and strength to keep going? What was the real driving force behind his dedication to his mission? He reveals the secret in Colossians 1:29. 

“I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me.”

The secret is Christ’s strength. 

Paul didn’t get hung up on his weaknesses. He refused to allow persecution or difficulties to stop him from doing the work God created him to do. He held firmly to God’s promise that His grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) And when he needed to be strong, he didn’t rely on his own strength, but Christ’s.

There’s no doubt that God calls us to work. And usually, the work is challenging, stretching, maybe even intimidating. But we don’t run from it. We don’t shrink back in fear or use weakness as an excuse. We trust that His grace is sufficient, and we keep moving forward.

We labor and we strive, but it is all in HIS strength.

(Written by Lindsay Dryer)