“strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;”

The third result of pleasing God is spiritual strength. This verse has three words for strength: “strengthened,” “might,” and “power.” Paul’s prayers significantly emphasize power because power transforms saints.

“strengthened with all might”

The first word for spiritual strength is the word “strengthened.” The word “might” is spiritual vitality. There is a play on words in this phrase, “empowered with all power.” The Colossian saints will need “all might” to meet the situation in Colosse. Is this a tautology? The point is that we might be strengthened with the strength of another. The power lies with God, not us. We cannot obtain God’s power via a conference in the Rockies or a seminar on personality development.

If we are strengthened with “all” might, does that mean we are almighty?!! No, this is sufficient strength for whatever situation we might face. We generally water down biblical terms. We usually apply the word “all” to mean “some” strength. “God will give me ‘almost all’ strength where I need to live the Christian life!”

The word “might” means the inherent ability or the ability to perform anything. God has given us the inherent ability to perform his service. The word “strengthened” is the term for endowed strength. This is not a strength of our own. It is a strength that God gives.

God provides the energy, the fuel, or dynamo for the Christian life. When we draw upon this divine dynamo, we harness God’s power for everyday life. If we are inept in our Christian life, the fault lies with us. We do not use the power God provides. There is no short supply on God’s side.

There are many promises of God whereby he gives his power to those in need: Joshua 1:9; 1 Kings 2:2; Isaiah 40:29,31; Romans 4:20; 1 Corinthians 16:13;2, 1 Corinthians 12:9,10; 2 Timothy 4:16,17; 1 Peter 5:10. 

John states that his followers are as strong spiritually as they are physically:

3 John 2, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 

If some of us were as strong physically as we are spiritually, we would be confined to a bed.

Principle:

For every requirement God makes, he makes the power available to do what he wants of us.

Application:

No matter how difficult the demand for Christian service may be, God always makes available resources to match the need, no matter how difficult the task.