Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Self sufficiency is a constant battle for most of us. When we are called upon to serve the Lord, we frequently focus our attention on what we are doing rather than what God is doing through us.
If you doubt what I am saying, just let someone else get the credit for something you have done for the Lord. How do you feel? Is there a spirit of resentment and even jealousy in your heart? Ouch! That hurts, doesn’t it?
In order to get a good grasp of today’s passage of Scripture, it is essential we recall who is writing it. It is none other than Paul. He is the one who has been beaten, starved, stoned, ship-wrecked, and accused falsely. That is hard to equate with “… do all things …”
I think what Paul is trying to say is that he stays doing as the Lord directs him to do. If in that process he is allowed to observe the results, great! If he experiences only the rejection and persecution, that is great as well. It is not his reputation that is at stake, but the Lord’s. When we do all things through Christ we rest in His strength.
What are you doing for the Lord? Are you doing it in His strength or are you relying on your own ability? Remember, He is the One who strengthens us!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil