All for All

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,
(Colossians 1:11 – ESV)

Look at what Paul wants the “all” for. This strengthening is to be able to endure and be patient and have joy at the same time. According to His power: the power of God is manifest most greatly, not in some overt work that shows brute force, but in a life that manifests joy despite circumstance, a rock steady man or woman whom the world can beat on, but can’t beat down. Think of how this mirrors the life of Christ, that sort of power, the power to endure the cross of this life, which is what this is about.

It isn’t automatic, Paul is praying for it to increase in the lives of these believers who were already doing good, and they must obviously act in accordance with that, as we see here and in the next verse, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. It is everywhere in Paul’s writings and God’s revelation. Pray for it and act like it. It is in God’s will, and the only way we know we have it is if we need it.

Paul talks of both endurance and patience – without buckling under and without biting back, without folding and without fighting.

As you are strengthened to be able to endure and yet have joy, you will be acting in accordance with that by being thankful. Thankfulness is the fruit of such strength, if you are not being thankful you may be relying on your own strength, and that makes sense, doesn’t it? In verse 11-12 we see the status of believers, the walk they are to have, and the power to get it done. Walk in the light as He is in the light.

Godliness is for now as well as the future. Some of the inheritance happens now; it is not fully consummated but faithfully appropriated. Ephesians 5:8 (we are to act accordingly) / 1 Thessalonians 5:5 / 1 Peter 2:9 / 1 John 1:7 (enough to go around) / 1 Peter 1:3-5, 13-18. It is an inheritance we receive not a wage we earn, the wage we deserve is death (Romans 6:23), but the inheritance we get is life. If we are willing to have all endurance with patience and joy, then God is willing to give us all the power to do it.