Summary: The power promised to us in the Word of God is the power to persevere.

Colossians 1:11 says “…strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience...” In this verse, Paul uses two variations of the same the Greek word, dunamis (δύναμις). Dunamis is the word from which we get our word “dynamite.” The phrase “strengthened with all power” is literally translated, “powered for all powering.”

We are given, in some sense, “dynamite-ability for all dynamiting.” Keep in mind the first century writers knew nothing of explosives. This word is not explosive-powering but Spirit-Powering.

We all want to be empowered, right? We all want dynamic (same root work) strength to be given to us. But what is Paul’s hope for those who have such power?

Is this powering to charge ahead? No. Powering to be fearless? It is not. Is it powering to speak boldly? Nope. This power is allocated for “the attaining of all steadfastness and patience.” I need Spirit-Power for “stick-with-it-ness.” Being prone to wander, I need power to sit still and hold fast. Adherence to my call demands power from above. Today, ask God for power to persevere.