Endurance: Putting the Power of God On Display
Our endurance through suffering puts the preciousness of Christ and the greatness of his power on display. Paul prays for the Colossians to be strengthened by God's power, for endurance: "being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy ." Col 1:11 God provides a way of escape from temptation (or testing) by enabling us to endure: "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it ." 1 Cor. 10:13 Paul and Timothy commend themselves and their gospel ministry by pointing not to worldly success but to their endurance in affliction: "as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance ..." 2 Cor. 6:4 Yes, God Almighty has the power to take our afflictions away. Yet he also has the power to help us end