COLOSSIANS 1:29

“For this purpose I also labor, striving according to His power which works mightily within me.”

The thought of striving tires me out, lol. As I have gotten older, it takes less and less to make me tired. I don’t know about you, but when I bend down to pick something up, I always look around to see if I need to do anything else while I am down there. Just saying! So, when Paul talks about striving today, I was a little nervous.

Today’s verse is linked back to the previous verse by the phrase “for this purpose.” Actually, in the Greek, it reads “for this” which refers back to verse 28 (take a second and go back read that verse). Paul says he labors or toils, but then he clarifies this. He says, “striving according to His power.” Paul knew we could accomplish nothing outside the power of Christ “which works mightily within me.”

APPLICATION

Strong’s Lexicon gives a great explanation of the Greek word for “striving.” “The verb agónizomai conveys the idea of engaging in a struggle or contest, often with a sense of intense effort or determination. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe the spiritual and moral effort required in the Christian life. It implies a sense of perseverance and dedication in the face of challenges, akin to an athlete competing in a race or a soldier in battle.”

This word is used 8 times in the New Testament. Let’s look at a couple. In 1 Corinthians 9:25, we see it used in this way. “Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” It’s compared to the physical activity of an athlete in games. So, it can involve physical exertion.

 In 1 Timothy 6:12, we see an even harder usage. “Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” It’s actually used to talk about fighting. If you don’t know we are in a battle with spiritual forces of darkness, you have already lost that fight.

How are you striving? If you attempt to strive in your own might, you won’t make it. If you only half-heartedly strive, you will fall. If you don’t know against whom you are striving, you will lose those battles. Realize it is His power in you that strives. Submit yourself to Him and win.

Father, I thank You that I am not striving alone. I know You have my back.