²⁹ That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.

¹⁰ But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.

¹⁹ I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power

²⁵ All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. ²⁶ So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. ²⁷ I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

¹³ For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

⁷ By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.

2 I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally.

⁹ Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. ¹⁰ That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

¹² Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God.