MONDAY October 7, 2024
Christ Strengthens Us
I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:12-13
Paul’s philosophy of ministry should be mimicked. As he could accept whatever life brought his way, so should we accept what the Lord allows in our lives. Although not a happy camper under house arrest, Paul had learned everywhere and in all things to be content.
It did not matter to Paul if he was full and had plenty or suffered hunger and lived without daily necessities. He knew how to abound and to suffer need. Paul’s witness in how to exhibit joy and contentment, despite his trials, was tremendous. Understand, he did not have fleeting happiness, but an inward joy that always remained.
Then Paul made an incredible declaration. He had the ability to do all things through Christ’s strength. He knew he could not do anything in his own strength. He had the strength of God to accomplish the work of God. The verb strengthens means “be strong or to have strength.” Paul had Christ’s strength to withstand all.
When difficult situations arise, many believers lose their joy, but this is when we are to exhibit joy. We are not supposed to fall apart when trials, tragedies or temptations happen. We need to lean on the strength of Christ. Then people in the world can see that our strength and joy come from Him: Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10 NLT).
Know that life is hard! You will need to depend on Christ’s strength twenty-four-seven!
A faithful God does not expect you to do what you cannot; He supplies the needed strength.
~Erwin W. Lutzer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
