Colossians {Day 7}

10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.   Colossians 1:10-12

Why does Paul pray these things about them living a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way?  So they may have endurance and patience, all the while joyfully giving thanks to Father, who has qualified them to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of life.

Endurance and Patience

Endurance and patience for what?

I'm going to let the Commentaries speak here, because they say it well and my time is limited this evening.  From the New Bible Commentary (InterVarsity Press):

The standards set before the Colossians are high, far higher than those of the false teachers, and it might seem that they could not be achieved.  But this is not the case.  Paul heaps up terms for power and strength to stress that: nothing short of God's almighty pwoer at work within them will enable them to live in a wa that is pelasing to him; his glorious might is more than adequate for the Colossians' needs; and this strength will be given to them day by day as they confront varying situations....  The outworking of his divine power is not in spectacular miracles but is for great endurance and patience, particularly in the face of opposition.  By enduring patiently as they suffer, Christians show that they have their hope set on God.

Endurance and patience to endure whatever suffering or opposition they face, through the strengthening of God's power at work in them, which pleases Him.

Thanksgiving, Giving Thanks

Even in the midst of suffering and difficulty, the Christian, because of what God has done in qualifying them to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of life, can and should give thanks to God.  Again, the New Bible Commentary offers a great exposition:

'Thanksgiving' in Paul's letters refers to a thankful attitude of mind which is expressed outwardly and often publicly. ...  Joyful thanksgiving is an activity Christians should regularly engage in. ... In fact, the regular offering of thanks to the Father is a mark of a true Christian.

As we walk with the Lord, continuing to be strengthened by His power, we are made more aware of our desperate need for Him.  This, in turn, leads to greater thanks.  Every little bit of who we are and what we have, where we've been and where we're going, what we're doing and what we will do, is from the Father's hand.  It is a testimony to God's mercy that anything good comes our way.  Praise Him!

Perhaps in response tonight, you might leave a little note of thanksgiving in the comments.  Let's not neglect this opportunity to do so hastily, for the edification of our Christ siblings and the praise of God's name!