Strengthened with All Power

I was reading Colossians chapter one this morning, and when I read verse 11, I stopped as it occurred to me that “May you be strengthened with all power” is a wondrous statement.  Who doesn’t wish to be filled with “all power”?  I realized that, at first blush, this verse is apt to confuse.  Sadly, when I think of power, I think of the miraculous.  But is that what this is about?  No, St. Paul is praying for them to receive power, not for miracles, signs and wonders, but for “endurance and patience.”  As I paused to consider this, I realized that this is a great message for 21st century American Christians who are rich and comfortable.  Maybe the lack of power in the American church is directly related to this.  It seems that “all endurance and patience” is needed for those who are suffering and struggling.  For 21st century American church folk, St. Paul appears to be using a non-sequitur when he conflates “endurance and patience” with “joy.”  Maybe St. Paul is on to something…just sayin’