"Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;"
The Believer's Privilege and Duty
It is both our privilege and our duty to 'come boldly [or freely] unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy [for past failures], and find grace to help in time of need' (Heb. 4:16). Often we have not because we ask not, or because we ask amiss. Grace must be sought believingly, fervently, perseveringly. Moreover, there has to be a daily feeding on 'the word of his grace' (Acts 20:32) if the soul is to be 'nourished up in the words of faith' (1 Tim. 4:6). If we neglect our daily bread, fail to meditate on and appropriate a regular supply of manna, we soon become feeble and faint.
Further, exercise is essential: we must use the grace already given us if we would obtain more (Luke 8:18). Spiritual strength is not given to release us from the fight of faith, but to furnish and fit us for the same. Grace is not bestowed on the Christian in order that heaven may be won without engaging in a fierce conflict, as many seem to think, but in order that the believer may be 'strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might'. Therefore he is urged to put on the whole armour of God and thus be able to stand against 'the wiles of the devil' (Eph. 6:10-11). We are strengthened with all might 'unto [for this end] all patience.'
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