The Cross | and What It Means for Fallen HumanitySample

True success in life and ministry comes not from our efforts but through God’s power working mightily within us.

For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Colossians 1:29

Read also:

Luke 5:5–11; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Colossians 1:3–14; 1 Timothy 1:12

R E F L E C T

In Colossians 1:29, the apostle Paul shows us the inner dynamics between divine power and human effort in the Christian life. Paul’s life exemplifies the paradox of laboring in ministry: the harder he worked, the more reliant he became on God’s supernatural strength.

Paul uses the word struggling, which conveys intensity, like an athlete competing in a race. This kind of effort is not passive; it requires focus, discipline, and perseverance. But Paul also clarifies that the energy behind his striving comes not from himself but from God’s divine power that overcomes resistance.

Paul underscores that his success in preaching the gospel to unbelievers as well as presenting believers complete in Christ is not due to his talents, heritage, or sheer determination, but to God’s supernatural enabling. This truth aligns with the reality that human strength, no matter how disciplined, is insufficient for the spiritual work of transformation. When believers attempt to serve God in their strength alone, they face inevitable frustration, exhaustion, and spiritual ineffectiveness.

An excellent illustration of this truth is found in Luke 5, with the disciples’ encounter with Jesus. Peter, an experienced fisherman, had toiled all night without success. But when Jesus instructed him to cast his nets once more, Peter replied, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” The result? A miraculous catch so abundant that their nets began to break!

The difference between Peter’s failed efforts and his supernatural success lay in one key factor: obedience to Christ while relying on His power. Like Peter, we can easily fall into the trap of striving in our own strength, only to face exhaustion, frustration, and failure. Whether it’s in our daily work, family life, or ministry, we may feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the task or discouraged by meager results. But as we labor and strive in the Lord, His divine power energizes us, enabling us to do what our human strength and effort could never achieve.

This teaches us a vital principle: God does not work instead of us but through us. His Spirit empowers our energy, guiding and sustaining us. When we align our efforts with His purposes, we experience His might in ways we never could on our own. True success in life and ministry comes not from our efforts but through God’s power working mightily within us.

R E S P O N D

• How can you rely on the power of God to fulfill the task He is expecting us to accomplish?

• Identify personal challenges that may hinder or limit you from obeying the Great Commision. How can you rely on the power of God to overcome them?

• List three people to whom you can share your testimony and the gospel. Ask the Holy Spirit to open their hearts and to give you boldness and wisdom in your conversations with them this week.

Heavenly Father,

Fill my heart and mind with spiritual wisdom and understanding so that I may know Your will. Enable me to live worthy of You as my Lord and to live pleasing before You. Holy Spirit, empower me to be fruitful in preaching the gospel and making disciples where You place and set me. Lord Jesus, You are preeminent in my life.

Amen.