Strengthened

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

My kids got used to saying this verse as each time I would hear them say “I can’t” it would be met with “Tell me Philippians 4:13”. It’s funny as young children we are filled with the thought that we can do anything. Most believe that nothing bad will ever happen to us. One day, we realize it’s not necessarily true. We fail. Bad things do happen and the fairy tale ends. Our thoughts are quickly replaced with the excuse “I can’t” when things look too hard or we aren’t guaranteed of that outcome.

Paul wasn’t declaring he was invincible. He was not declaring that his life would be perfect. He was declaring that regardless of what he faced, he could through Christ’s strength do all things. He reminded the Philippians that he could be content regardless what he faced. He knew he could be okay whether he was humbled or abounding. He knew through God’s strength he could whether he was starving or filled. He knew through God’s strength he could whether he was in need or not. He could face things head on through Christ, knowing Christ would give him the strength.

I think about people who have been martyred for Christ. I believe most if asked would say much like many have “I don’t know if I could do that” when faced with just a discussion of it, because talk is cheap. It is when it comes to actually doing the thing that Christ strengthened them to do that God provides what is needed. When we are making plans God should be included, but we need to understand that when we face the actual doing part it will be done through Christ who strengthens us. He doesn’t strengthen us until we start to go through it.

Lord thank you for your covering even when I made plans that I didn’t ask You about. Lord and I also can see those times where only because You walked through with me that I endured. I know that You gave me the strength for doing what You called me to.