"We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father."
Do you need endurance and patience to overcome the obstacles in front of you or to climb the wall above you? Paul tells us in Colossians chapter one that the strength and resilience we need is available from God. If we want to receive these things then we need to tap into our Lord's power. And the way we do this is through prayer. Once we receive his strength, it should lead to a feeling of gladness and gratitude.
So the process looks something like this:
Do something difficult. ---> Realize you need strength and patience in that work. ---> Ask God for his help. ---> Experience joy and give thanks to God.
Notice that joy and thanksgiving are derived from engaging in activities that require more strength and endurance than you naturally have. When you press yourself beyond your limit, and when you ask God for his help in accomplishing your goals, you will discover real joy and deep gratitude. My problem, and that of many other Christians, is that I too often prefer comfort over the joy that comes from difficult service.
So today, throw off your desires for the easy life. Identify a challenging task that you know would please God. Pray for his help in accomplishing this task and then get started. You have little to lose and much joy to gain.
(New Living Translation; photo credit: Wix media)