…growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience… – Colossians 1:11
Paul began his prayer for the Colossians by asking God to fill them with the knowledge of his will. As he continues, he confidently assumes that God is doing that and that they are growing in the knowledge of God. And that in so doing, they are also being strengthened with all of the power that comes from God’s glorious might. This is a very important Biblical principle that we need to grab a hold of. As God’s children, we are given power to accomplish great things.
I believe that one of the enemy’s favorite things to hear from a redeemed child of God is, “I can’t”. When he hears us mumble those words, he can sit back and relax and not worry about us gaining victory over anything. There are so many times in my life that I catch myself saying “I can’t”. Even though I know how many times the Bible has said that the opposite is true. — I CAN! — If God’s ultimate goal is for us to be more and more like Christ until he finally brings us home, then why would I ever assume that it’s not a possibility? God has made so many promises to us in his Word, and he made those promises fully aware of our own human limitations. And that is precisely why he gives us his Holy Spirit.
The next time I catch myself giving into feelings of inadequacy, I will remind myself of these important truths:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13
…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. – Philippians 2:13
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. – Isaiah 40:29
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. – Romans 8:37