Encouragement and Strength

We are living in a time that we need encouragement and strength to face life. It is in Christ that we will find our help. Let us consider what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Phillippi regarding encouragement and strength.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me – Philippians 4:13
This verse is often quoted, “I can do all things through Christ” which is an incomplete quotation. Therefore we must complete the quote to get the full intent of what Paul is saying. We can do those things through Christ that strengthens us. There are things we do that weakens us ands surely this is not with the blessings of Christ.
It is not unusual in life to come up against things that are larger than we are, and we cannot overcome them by our own strength. It may be a lust that threatens to consume us, an addiction that repeatedly overcomes us. It could be resentment or an unforgiving spirit that is growing inside us. It may be grief and sorrow that seems to paralyze us. When we give our self over to these things they can weaken us spiritually and cause “our light” to be dimmed or extinguished.
So often we roll up our sleeves, stiffen our backs, and seek to make it through by our strength. We tell ourselves we can overcome if we just try hard enough. Yet, here is the spiritually strong apostle Paul admitting that his strength does not come from himself, or from his own willpower. He is not trying to do it on his own. Rather, he is looking to Jesus Christ for the power he needs.
Through Christ, you make it through trials. Through Christ, you overcome that temptation or addiction. Through Christ, you can you rise above your grief or depression. There is nothing that you cannot do through the strength that Christ has promised to you. Trust in Jesus Christ for your strength in handling the problems in your life and you will find that His grace and strength is sufficient for all the cares of life. Paul found strength through Christ. That is where we will find strength also.
Today may we seek to follow after those things that will strengthen us, and cause us to walk closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

By His Grace,

Brother Edward