Philippians 4:13 AMP
13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.
We cannot accomplish what God has called us to do in our own strength. He alone can empower us to do and fulfill the mission at hand. When Jesus was about to return to heaven, he told the disciples to wait until the helper came, why? Because they could not accomplish the mission on their own strength and understanding. When the Holy Ghost came upon them then they were strengthened and empowered to accomplish the mission before them without fear. When God calls us, we feel inadequate and unable, rightly so if we are depending on our own strength and understanding, but if we depend on Him then we can accomplish the task ahead.
Christ strengthens us to do, we are strengthened to action and not to sit and wait and look good. All who confess Christ as Lord have been called to do, we have been empowered to go out and do as we become. In the process of doing what we have been called to do we will encounter all sorts of situations. Paul who wrote these scriptures was no exception. Before he talks about being strengthened to do all things, he paints a picture of the hardships he has overcome while in the process of doing what Christ called him to do.
Philippians 4:12
I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.
Paul is not talking about being strengthened to do anything he wants to do, (as many misquote this scripture) no! He is talking about being strengthened in whatever circumstances to fulfill what God has called him to do.
Are you on a mission? Gods mission?
Have you been called to a specific task? Christ who is our rock and salvation has already strengthened you to overcome and conquer. He who called you will strengthen and enable you to fulfill what He has called you to do.
Take courage, all things are possible to them that believe!
REFLECTIONS
In what area of your life do you need strength right now?
Have you ever talked yourself off of something God called you to do because you felt inadequate? What was it?
God told Joshua “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
How does this relate to you?
