To Get God’s Power, Give Him Your Trust

In review of Philippians 4:13 it says, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13 NLT).

Bottom Line:

We can do everything we need to do through Christ.

What this means to me:

It is Christ who can give me the strength, energy and guidance to do what is in front of me.

Paul knew how to be content whether he had plenty or whether he was in need. His secret was drawing on Christ’s power for his strength. Paul was content because he could see life from God’s point of view. He focused on what he was supposed to do, not what he felt he should have. Paul had his priorities straight, and he was grateful for everything God had given him. Paul had detached himself from the nonessentials so that he could concentrate on the eternal. Often the desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in a person’s life. I should consider what I am drawn to when I feel empty inside? How and where can I find true contentement? The answer lies in my perspective, my priorities, and my source of power.

A right relationship with Jesus is foundational to every area of life. Through a secure relationship with Jesus, I can grow and change in ways that are impossible to do without one. In truth, I can’t accomplish anything without God: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13 NLT).

A new challenge can seem tough or impossible when a major change occurs. What I’m reminded of this morning is that It’s impossible if I try to do it on my own! But God’s strength working through my faith will turn the impossible into the possible.

That’s why it takes faith to what God wants me to do. I’ll never be able to do it on my own. I was never intended to be able to! Anything I can do in your own strength doesn’t require faith, and when faith is not required, we’re living faithlessly.

When I come to Christ in acknowledgement of my weaknesses, he will turn my greatest weakness into my greatest strength. But that only happens through God’s power. The Bible tells me there’s a direct connection between faith and power. The more faith I have in God, the more power and the more blessings I’ll will have in my life.

I’m also learning that God will bless people who are not afraid to trust him completely. When I give him my trust, God fills me with his power. In the Bible, Abraham is considered the father of faith. It says, “He didn’t doubt God’s promise out of a lack of faith. Instead, giving honor to God for the promise, he became strong because of faith” (Romans 4:20 GW).

Without God’s power, I’m just running on my own energy. And that’s like having a laptop that’s unplugged; the battery will eventually drain and all the power will be gone. Why would I want to live like that?

Think of it like this: I’ve got a small battery within me. I can run through life on my own power, which means I’ll be tired all the time. Or I can have access to God’s power plant, provided I just plug in and admit I need God’s help. God has unlimited power to sustain my life and mission.

Today’s study is a great reminder for me. I’ve just started a new job and it has its own set of new challenges. I need to not just do this on my own, but call on and ask God for assistance, guidance and strength. This morning I pray, “God, I’m turning over my situation to you. I ask for your guidance and assistance to do things in a manner that is consistent with your character. I want to be a blessing to those I lead and work, and for the greater mission of SIS.”