Doing All Things

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:13

Situations arise.  Problems occur.  Often we find ourselves on the side of a mountain hanging on for dear life hoping to find a way to the top and over.  Sometimes a situation looks impossible and we run the risk of simply throwing our hands up and yelling out those two words that are the enemy of progress, "I can't."  

In all honesty, we are simply telling the truth.  We can't.  There are so many things in this world that I attempt and fail at simply because I cannot do them.  I do not have the skills.  My energy and drive may be weak. I simply resign myself to the subtle truth that I can't.  On my own, in my own power, or with just my determination I cannot accomplish many things.

The same isn't true of God.  God can do all things that are possible for him to do.  The great thing about any mountain or obstacle we face as a believer is we do not face those obstacles alone.  That is the beauty and the truth of Philippians 4:13!  This isn't a blanket statement that I can do everything because Christ lives in me.  Of course you can't fly simply because you believe.  You are probably never going to be able to spit fire naturally out of your mouth because you believe.  This verse is not a special formula or spell that gives us the supernatural ability to do anything we want; neither does it give free reign to live how we want to live simply because we have Jesus.  Yes, you could steal a car, cheat on your taxes, or rob a bank, but that is in spite of Christ not because of Him.

Truly this verse gives the hope we are not alone no matter what position we find ourselves in.  It isn't that Jesus gives us supernatural power to overcome (although he can), but he walks with us through every situation, good and bad.  When I find myself in situations that seem impossible, I quote this verse out loud with a little twist.  I can do EVEN THIS through Christ who gives me strength!  Truthfully, when I am at mile 3.5 of a 4 mile walk and my body is saying please quit, I do not care that I can do all things.  I care that I can accomplish this.  

I can do even this.  Maybe your this is limiting your calories and experiencing hunger for the first time in years.  Maybe your this is moving your body in exercise although it hurts and you can't breath.  Maybe your this is battling the temptation you get standing near all that candy in the checkout line.  Your this is never as big as the power you have over the things in your life.  The final fruit of the Spirit is self-control.  We have the power to become the masters of our body and will.  We are never alone in the struggle.  We can do even this because we have a comforter and a strengthener who walks with us through those trials.  So next time you find yourself wondering if you can accomplish the impossible, remember that you can do EVEN THIS through Christ who gives us strength!

Father, walk with me today.  When I have gone as far as I can go and feel like another step is impossible, remind me that even this is in my grasp.  Give me the strength to stay faithful and true.  Guide my steps, my bites, and my choices as I seek your face even more.  In Jesus name, Amen.