10 We’re praying this so that you can live lives that are worthy of the Lord and pleasing to him in every way: by producing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God; 11 by being strengthened through his glorious might so that you endure everything and have patience;
Reflection
Paul’s prayers for the Colossians remind us of the prayers that may be heard for anyone within a loving community. We often pray and hope for the well being of loved ones –for their strength and their growth in knowledge and the ways of God. Of course, we always want to faithfully pass along God’s message of hope, so we say words like:
God bless you.
Take good care!
We’re praying for you.
God’s got this….
Peace be with you.
But whatever the message, it should remind us of the incredible endurance that goes far beyond just words. It is the endurance that was and is found from God’s example, in which “you (can) endure everything” with patience.
Who has shown such unending patience through His endurance?
Jesus Christ gave the ultimate example of patience through his endurance in life! First Jesus showed human patience with the followers, who often misunderstood Christ’s teachings. Next, Jesus shared patience for the world knowing that Christ would be condemned for healing the sick and helping the discounted. Finally Jesus’ enduring patience was founded in God’s steadfast love for the world. Jesus’ life and ministry ultimately teaches us to know that true patience is found through lasting hope and faith in God’s enduring love.
By Barbara Carlson
For Pondering & Prayer
The prayers that we share for others are not just words of hope and love. Jesus is our ultimate example of patience that is realized in a challenging world by God’s love. How does knowing God’s story inspire your patience through strength to endure whatever comes your way?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for your enduring patience. You are our example of how to endure and keep patient despite any trouble. Help us to know your kind of peaceful presence so that we may always have patience and love for the world. Amen.
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