Colossians 1:11 – When You Can’t See the Wall

What does Colossians 1:11 mean? Paul talks about being strengthened with God’s power and glorious might—but what he says that power is for might surprise us.

In this episode of Verses We Missed, we explore why God’s power doesn’t always look like immediate healing, deliverance, or victory. Sometimes the race keeps going, the prayer remains unanswered, and we can’t see the wall. What does God’s strength look like then? Browse more episodes at Recent Episodes.

When You Can’t See the Wall

Colossians 1:11 (ESV)

Colossians 1:11 (ESV)

“being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;”

Those are big words: all power and his glorious might. We might expect Paul to be talking about miracles, dramatic victories, or obstacles disappearing.

Instead, he talks about endurance and patience.

Why would God’s glorious power be needed for something as ordinary-sounding as endurance? And why does Paul add those especially challenging words, “with joy”?

You can read Colossians 1:11 in context at ESV.org.

When God’s Power Doesn’t Look Powerful

We love victory stories. We love answered prayers, healing, provision, and deliverance—and we should celebrate when God does those things.