I was reading through Colossians this weekend and was struck by the final verse of the first chapter:
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
(Colossians 1:24-29, emphasis added)
Paul struggled and toiled with Christ’s energy!
How often do I do the same? I must admit, the majority of my struggling is done by my own, insufficient energy. By doing so, I rob myself of victory. More importantly, I rob my God of his due glory in my life.
Questions to Consider
- Do I understand this energy?
- Do I realize the immense implications of his powerful work within me?
- How does this truth affect my actions and the way I live my life?
- It’s easy to talk about toiling “with all his energy that he powerfully works within me,” but how does one take this concept and put it into action, as Paul did?
Another Look
Perhaps there are some clues in 2 Corinthians 12:
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10, emphasis added)
What about you?
Do you toil and struggle with all his energy that he powerfully works within you? Does the power of Christ rest upon you?
What does all this mean?


