Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). This verse is probably at the top of everyone’s memory verse list. As I was reviewing it for myself, I wondered, is it true of my efforts? Am I not settled into a routine, doing what I know I can do by myself? Am I not skipping over some duties because they are more than I want to tackle at this time? If so, whatever happened to the strength which God supplies?
Whatever happened to, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord” (Zechariah 4:6)? I am reminded again that eternal life is knowing God and His Son (John 17:3). Where Christ has revealed Himself to me, I can grow in that area with understanding, putting on that aspect He has revealed: more of His strength, more closeness to the Father, more secure in His love; faithful to follow, trusting in difficult times, hoping for what’s ahead. All this is in Christ, and available to me.
Knowing God, intimacy with Him in prayer, putting off the old self and putting on Christ—these are marks of a maturing child of God. Therefore all growth comes from knowing God more and living according to His self-disclosure. When we are not careful to remember from Whom our strength comes, tasks can become routine, and we will rely on our own strength and expertise. Samson took his might for granted, forgetting the Source, and was quickly overcome by his enemies (Judges 16:15-20). The Israelites brought the ark into the battle against the Philistines, forgetting the Presence it signified, and was wiped out and the ark was captured (1 Samuel 4:1-11).
We cannot accomplish the vision of God for His church and this world in our strength. When we start neglecting things to do because they are just a hassle, then re-evaluate. How strong is your Savior? How authoritative is your Sovereign? And how is your seeking and praying life? Since all things are possible to those who believe, we must respond with, “Lord, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23-24). When we get our eyes off the Lord, our faith falters and we see and work according to the flesh. Then, like Peter, we sink beneath the waves.
But as He did with Peter, the Lord is there to lift us again. The remedy is not to work harder. Some of us have started the Christian life with enthusiasm for the work, and it has waned and we have struggled because we have forgotten that the passion was sparked by a glimpse of the Savior. We cannot light our own lamp. We need to seek Christ afresh, acknowledging our unbelief and weakness. Ask, seek, knock! The Father is willing to strengthen us again with a fresh revelation of the Son (Matt. 11:27). He wants to give us a steadfast spirit, a soul that is eager and dependent on Him all the way.
Get back to kingdom realities. Don’t hide your lamp under a basket, but lift it up for all to see (Matt. 5:13-16). Let your interior life mirror your commitment to be His disciple (Matt. 5:21-22, 27-28). Let your mouth reflect His truth and your trustworthiness (Matt. 5:33-37). Love those who don’t love you (Matt. 5:43-48).
Get back to the kingdom’s King. Pray for His will to be the emphasis of your daily life (Matt. 6:5-15). Don’t presume you have life with God when you seek the favor of men (Matt. 6:16-18). Be real about your holy life and quit wavering back and forth (Matt. 6:19-24). Be at rest, and trust in the Lord’s provision (Matt. 6:32-34).
Get back to kingdom character. Be real about your own weaknesses and of Him who enables you to overcome them (Matt. 7:1-6). Stop giving up on prayer so quickly (Matt. 7:7-13). Stop following the path of least resistance, and go the way that requires you to live by faith and not by sight (Matt. 7:13-14). Be real whether you know the work better than you know the Lord, and repent (Matt. 7:21-23). Don’t merely hear, but follow through in faith (Matt. 7:24-29).
This kingdom living is impossible without bearing the fruit that comes from knowing and abiding in Christ its King (John 15:1-8). None of this can be accomplished by doing good deeds in our own strength (Galatians 3:1-7). All of this is possible by growing in the grace and the knowledge of the Lord and Savior (2 Peter 3:18). The disciples who fled from the Savior became strong again after seeing the resurrected Son and the coming of the Spirit. Go enter your prayer closet with your Bible and do likewise.
