In The Strength Of Christ

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13     

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What's the basis of our happiness? If it's our outward circumstances, we're all in trouble because sooner or later, these aren't going to be too good. Paul said he had learned the secret to living above life's circumstances. That secret was Jesus Christ. Jesus was his assurance that no matter how difficult our problems might be, they were not permanent. No matter how hard life was, Jesus would give him the strength to persevere. Paul is just as sure that Jesus will do this for you and me.

This is a popular verse used for encouragement and motivation, often in challenging situations. It emphasizes that through Christ's power, believers can find strength to overcome difficulties and achieve things they might not be able to do on their own. This verse is not about personal success or fulfilling selfish desires, but rather about finding contentment and strength in Christ to face any circumstance, whether positive or negative.

Jesus had warned us that without Him, we can do nothing, and once Paul understood the deeper meaning of this, he boasted in his own weaknesses while rejoicing that through Christ he could do all things. Paul recognised that when we are positioned in Christ, abiding in Him, and remaining in fellowship with the Father, we are equipped for every eventuality of life; for when we are weak in ourselves we receive strength from the Lord and are empowered by His Spirit.

This apparent contradiction is couched in a glorious truth; a staggering truth from the Word of God. The works carried out in the flesh can achieve nothing. Human strength, a charismatic character, impressive qualifications, or noble birth, counts for nothing in God's economy. The deeds undertaken by 'the old man' (the old sin nature - our human ability), which we received from the first 'terrestrial' creation, when we were born of Adam, can produce nothing of value, just wood, hay, and stubble.

The works of the spirit, however, are carried out through our new 'born-again' nature. The old life in Adam, which was part of the first creation, was crucified on the Cross at Calvary. But the 'new life in Christ' is imparted to all God's children, making us part of a new 'spiritual' creation, through Christ Jesus our Lord. We can do nothing of our old fallen, sinful self, and yet we discover that we can do all things through the power of Christ that flows into us, and through us, and out of us to others.

Every common task to which we place our shoulder and each Christian duty to which we are called, can only be successfully discharged as we rely on the Lord Jesus Christ for guidance and strength. We are to live, and work, and be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, not in the strength and power of our own, fleshly, human abilities.

We are to be strengthened in the 'inner' man through the power of the indwelling Spirit of God. This is not a one-time strengthening, but a moment by moment reliance upon Him, until we are increasingly able to act upon His guidance, as we learn to listen to His voice saying: "This is the way, walk in it."

It is not by our strength or by our own power or wisdom that we can do all things, but through Christ, Who gives us His strength. Like the apostle Paul, without Him we can do nothing but we can do all things through Christ!!!

Father thank You for this day and Teach us our Father, to look to Jesus each moment of the day for our strength and not to rely on our own imperfect, human abilities and intelligence, for without You we can do nothing. But thanks be to God that as we rest in Christ Jesus, He will empower us, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to carry out Your will for our lives. Father, we confess that without You we can do nothing, but thanks be to God that we can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Lord let Your abundant blessings flow over my friend and family today. Lord use my friend to be the touch of Your love today.

Father, we love You. Amen !