Life is full of challenges. Whether it is coping with a demanding job or family responsibilities, struggling with illness or depression or grief, or simply being holy people witnessing in an unholy world, living as a Christian is never easy. But the example of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:13 inspires and encourages us. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
We gain our strength from abiding in Christ, remaining close to Him. At the heart of this communion is prayer, prayer in everything bringing our concerns and our needs to God (Philippians 4:6-7). And just as a sportsman is focussed on their match or event, we need to be focussed on God, building our lives around Jesus and His church (Philippians 4:8-9) filling our minds with thoughts of Him. We also draw strength from the body of Christ the church, as Paul did (Philippians 4:10,14) depending and relying on the support and encouragement of others. We need the humility to receive strength from other Christians, to admit that however spiritual and self-sufficient we may like to believe we are, we all need help from time to time. But we also need to make every effort to give strength to others in prayerful and practical ways. Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfil the Law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2). Yet each of us also receives strength from the Spirit of Christ. God’s word promises us that we can do everything that God calls us to do, that all our needs will be met (Philippians 4:13,19). This comes from God’s mighty power at work not only around us but within us, since Christ lives inside every one who is born again! But God’s strength only comes to us in our weakness, when we acknowledge our need of him. Do you remember those old adverts for the AA? Can you find your way to John O’Groats? Can you mend this car? No I can’t, but I know a man who can! Praise God, as Christians, we know the Man who can! Jesus Christ who strengthens us in our every need.