How Do We Gain Endurance and Patience?

We all want endurance. We all want patience. Yet most of us try to get them the wrong way: by gritting our teeth and “trying harder.” Paul gives us a different picture in Colossians 1:9–11.

1. It Starts With Knowing God’s Will

Paul doesn’t begin by asking the Colossians to be stronger. He prays that they would be “filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Why? Because clarity on God’s will steadies us. When you know what He’s up to, even in part, life’s chaos doesn’t knock you down so easily.

2. Knowledge Leads to Walking

This knowledge is not abstract. It’s practical. Paul says the result is to “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him.” As you understand God’s will, you begin to align your daily choices with it. Endurance begins by simply walking with Him, step by step.

3. Walking Produces Fruit

When you walk in God’s will, you start to bear fruit—acts of love, service, obedience, character. That fruit is proof you’re not wasting your suffering. It encourages you, and it points others back to Him.
​
4. Fruit Deepens Intimacy

Paul adds: “growing in the knowledge of God.” The more you walk and bear fruit, the more you know Him—not just facts about Him, but fellowship with Him. And that intimacy is what keeps you going when life gets heavy.

5. Intimacy Unlocks Strength

Finally, Paul prays that they would be “strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” Notice—strength doesn’t come from your willpower. It comes from God’s might. Endurance is the overflow of His strength, not the result of your striving.

The Process:

• Know His will.
• Walk in it.
• Bear fruit.
• Grow deeper in knowing Him.
• Draw on His strength.
• Receive endurance and patience—with joy.
  
  

Takeaway
Don’t start with “I need more patience.” Start with “Lord, fill me with the knowledge of Your will today.” As you walk that out, fruit will grow, intimacy will deepen, and His strength will supply what you could never produce. Endurance and patience aren’t forced—they’re gifted.