[May you be] strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy[.] Colossians 1:11
I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at how God provides patience to believers through faith in God's glorious might. First, Piper provides key insights into how patience is "evidence of an inner strength." Piper writes: "[i]mpatient people are weak, and therefore dependent on external supports — like schedules that go just right and circumstances that support their fragile hearts. Their outbursts of oaths and threats and harsh criticisms of the culprits who crossed their plans do not sound weak. But that noise is all a camouflage of weakness. Patience demands tremendous inner strength." In contrast, Piper describes believers as gaining their strength from God as faith in God's glorious might is the "channel through which the power for patience comes." Piper wraps the devotion by pointing us to Galatians 3:5 where he builds his case that it is through faith in God and His glorious might where believers experience fruits of the Spirit - of which patience is one (Galatians 5:22).
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God whose sanctifying work is a blessing and I have experienced that in my own life as You have given me greater patience - thank You Jesus! Yet I am undeserving of this and all the other blessings You provide. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus, help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
