Thankful for Strong Shoes

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:9-12 ESV

I read this quote from Corrie Ten Boom this morning–

and I thought how my perspective is changing. Until recently, I would have wanted the quote to read, “if somehow you get on a stony path, God will pick you up and carry you so you don’t hurt your feet.”

However, the reality is that suffering is a part of life. On the stony paths of trials and suffering my faith is refined and deepened (1 Peter 1:6,7); maturity and endurance are developed (James 1:2-4); I learn to rely on God rather than myself (2 Corinthians 1:9).

When the apostle Paul prays for the Colossian believers (while in a Roman prison) he prays

that they would be strengthened (dunamoo) with all power (dunamis) according to God’s glorious might (kratos). God’s ruling control or dominion (his kratos) is limitless; from that limitless supply He gives strength and ability (dunamis)

For what purpose?

for all endurance (hupomone — endurance for external circumstances)  and patience (makrothumia — forbearance with difficult people) with joy.

God does not mean for me to “grin and bear it” or to pretend that pain is not pain. Rather than leaving me to fend for myself, God enters in to my pain, with me, giving me His strength and power, giving me the “strong shoes” so I can walk on that stony path. . .

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,

Fully pleasing to him,

Bearing fruit in every good work,

Increasing in the knowledge of God.

Are you on a stony path right now? Let God fit you with strong shoes. I really love how mine fit. . .