He gives us strength :)

Read it: Philippians 4:11-13
“ … I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”


Think through it:
You’ve probably heard the last part of this scripture before … “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”


A lot of times people take this little phrase and use it as an, “I can do this” mentality, for when things are a little tough or when they need a little push in the right direction.


But what if we took this phrase in its full context? I bet it would mean even more to us then.


You see, Paul is writing to the church in Philippi and he’s thanking them for being concerned about him during his time of need, while he was in prison.


He had been taken to prison for preaching the Gospel and was being persecuted (punished) for it.


It must have been a trying time to be in prison for doing something you believe in.


But while he was in prison, the church in Philippi wasn’t able to help him (meaning they couldn’t send him money, food, etc.)


So during that time, Paul probably had to go without nothing. And he probably had to go without nothing many times, depending on when churches sent support.


During that time, Paul learned to live on his faith in Jesus Christ.


He realized that Christ is all he needs … more than money, more than food. He learned to live on faith instead of a full stomach.


I bet you’ve been hungry before, you know, the kind of hungry where you feel weak and can’t wait to finally get some food in your belly.


Well when Paul says he can live through any situation, he is saying, when he is weak, Christ makes him strong, and when he is strong, Christ makes him stronger.


So here’s the question, do you think Christ is enough to satisfy ALL of your needs? Do you rely on him for EVERYTHING?


Pray about it: If you answered yes to those questions, “Good for you girl!” That’s awesome! I encourage you to keep praying that God will continually show you that he is all you need. If you answered no to those questions, ask God to help you see that he is enough to meet all of your needs. And if there is anything in your life that you think you need more than God, ask him to show you what it is and how to rely completely on him.


Live it: Today, in every situation, look to God for strength and courage. Remember him with every step you take, with every thought you think. Let his love and power run through your veins so that you can overcome the world and all the evil that’s in it. Don’t think of your weakness as bad, look to God, and through your weakness, he will make you strong.