I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13
Saul was an arrogant, zealous Pharisee before he became Paul the apostle. He had all the right credentials: “circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews… as to righteousness under the law, blameless” (Philippians 3:5-6). His perspective changed forever when he was confronted by Christ Jesus as his Lord. He then became the person of Paul, the apostle, a spokesman for Christ, speaking the truth of Him no matter the consequence.
Paul learned to be content in whatever situation his adventures for the Lord led him. He “faced plenty and hunger, abundance and need, and yet the Lord gave him the strength to meet the circumstance (Philippians 4:11-13). Paul pleaded with the Lord to remove a thorn in the flesh, but God did not. He wanted Paul to depend on the grace the Lord would give him, the power that would be shown to others through his weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). It would be sufficient!
Dr. George T. Brooks wrote that the extent to which you are able to endure trials, brave every suffering, and overcome every temptation has to do with the source of your strength. Christ alone can supply your every need and will give you grace sufficient to overcome your weaknesses. In answer to your prayer, Christ strengthens you by uniting you with Himself through His Spirit.
Believer, your ability to make it through the trials of this life comes from Christ alone through the Spirit at work in you.
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