I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13
Saul was an arrogant, zealous Pharisee before he became Paul the apostle. He had all the right credentials: “circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews… as to righteousness under the law, blameless” (Philippians 3:5-6). His perspective changed forever when he was confronted by Christ Jesus as his Lord. He then became the person of Paul, the apostle, a spokesman for Christ, speaking the truth of Him no matter the consequence.
Paul learned to be content in whatever situation his adventures for the Lord led him. He “faced plenty and hunger, abundance and need, and yet the Lord gave him strength to meet the circumstance (Philippians 4:11-13). Paul pleaded with the Lord to remove a thorn in the flesh, but God did not. He wanted Paul to depend on the grace the Lord would give him, the power that would be shown to others through his weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). It would be sufficient!
Dr. George T. Brooks wrote that the extent to which you are able to endure trials, brave every suffering, and overcome every temptation has to do with the source of your strength. Christ alone can supply your every need and will give you grace sufficient to overcome your weaknesses. In answer to your prayer, Christ strengthens you by uniting you with Himself through His Spirit.
Believer, your ability to make it through the trials of this life comes from Christ alone through the Spirit at work in you. Pray for public servants of this nation to turn to God and yield to His will in their lives, and that they may experience the fountain of His strength and grace.
Today’s Verse: Philippians 4:!3
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
