I continued in Colossians 1 this morning as I read through my Bible. I was in awe of all of the gifts that are in Christ. The Word is so amazing! As I read verse 29, instead of reading exactly what the text said, I inserted what I thought the sentence would say:
29 … I labor, struggling with all ___my__ energy…
Then a huge smile came over my face as I realized what the scripture actually states:
29 … I labor, struggling with all __His__ energy…
His energy! Not my own energy.
We can labor in His energy --- not in all that we can do but what God can do in and through us. In His strength!
Paul finishes that sentence:
Colossians 1:29 (NIV 1984 Edition)
I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Wow! Christ is in us.
He is the One who powerfully works in us and through us. He helps us in every situation. It is by His wisdom, insight, understanding, peace, patience, kindness, and strength that we can meet every situation. What a gift we have been given!
I know how easy it is to try to do all things in our own strength. We may feel the weight of all we have to do. It is obvious to me when I am in my own strength and not in His.
The first thing to go when I am in my own strength is God’s peace and joy. In my strength everything feels bigger than it is, and I feel burdened and overwhelmed. When I notice that I feel weighed down, frustrated, or defeated, that is when I come back to the One who reminds me… it is in the strength that He provides, that I can do all things.
That is when I turn back to God and humbly pray, “Lord forgive me for trying once again to attempt to do this on my own or to try to figure it out myself. Lord, I am in You, and You are in me. Help me to do all the things that are ahead of me today in Your strength. Help me to focus on You and Your ability. I am so thankful that I do not have to go through this life alone. I am amazed that You promise to go with me and strengthen me to do all I am to do. Thank You Lord for being with me!”
Philippians 4:13 (NAS 1995)
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Friend, no matter where you are or what you are facing, know that your God is with you! He will never leave you and He will empower you to do all things. I pray this gives you hope and strength to face all that is before you.
Lots of love, your friend,
Dawn