Endurance, Patience, and Joy

I bless you today to be
“Strengthened
With all power,
According to his glorious might,
For all endurance
And patience
With joy….” (Col. 1:11)

Endurance
And patience
And joy
Are not formed from
Religious fluff
And holy clichés—
They’re forged in the
Fire of God’s
Glory and Might.

It’s a mighty thing
To not give up when the going is hard
Or to hold your tongue when maligned
Or to smile in a traffic jam.

Endurance and Patience and Joy
Aren’t baby Christian virtues—
They’re the stuff of powerful saints
Who are filled with deep strength.

May you
Endure,
Stay steady,
And rejoice
As you are strengthened by
God’s glorious might.