Sunday, February 26, 2012

Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13 reads, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

This scripture has been on my mind today as I've reflected on a lot of things in my life, and the lives of those around me. I love this scripture. I love it so much. It is empowering, and it is the secret to perfect success.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me"
                                         ...Not just some things, but all things.. so dream big.  

This past month has been a little rough for me, as (quite frankly) I feel like I've been bombarded with the reality of my weaknesses, my inabilities, and the things I'm just not. The things that I struggle with, and the things that I am just cut off short of. Sometimes, there are things we just can't do. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we just aren't good enough; or our best just isn't enough. At moments like this, I guess you could just say to yourself, "Well.. welcome to real life."

But, to address this problem, let's consider the character of God. Who is God? In Islam, they believe that God has 99 names. Names like, 'The Merciful', 'The Enricher', or 'The Light' (many of which many religions contribute to him). So who is God? All of these things and more.. but for the sake of this entry, let's consider a few basic things:

1. God is Love. (Yes, infinitely loving.. fully unbiased, and impartial. See Matt 5:45)
2. He is all-powerful.
3. He is not a liar.

So if God loves you, is capable of anything, and keeps all of the promises he gives to you, then you can acknowledge that you can do ALL things, yes? Because His great love for you, would cause Him to want you to succeed at all things. Then let us continue because it is the 2nd half of Philippians 4:13 that I thought about today. The part about how Christ is the one who strengthens.

In lieu of everything I mentioned above with my 'downer' feelings this month.. today I realized the 'through Christ which strengtheneth me" part that is important. If I (or for a broader application, 'we') are not acting, in, for, and focused on Christ.. then we can't do all things. I realized today, that if this is what we are to focus on, then everything else will fall into place... and this is the theme for your entire LIFE. It doesn't matter what you're struggling with, what you're experiencing, or what opportunities (or lack of) are before you.. if you forget yourself on focus on Christ, then everything WILL fall into place. He has already promised that, and God is not a liar.

For me, this whole last month I've been concentrating on my inabilities, my weaknesses and fears.. that I am just not able to do the things I want. But I realize that it doesn't matter what I can and can't do. It doesn't matter, because He will fill in the gap with His grace. It doesn't matter, because the only thing that does matter, is selflessness and Charitable love. To forget oneself and truly worry on the welfare of your neighbor through your daily responsibilities... then, (quietly and probably without notice) I know the Lord will work out all the details. I know it.

This is the beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is why I love the Atonement--because we just can't do it alone. The Atonement teaches you that through Christ, you can do anything. 


You have infinite potential.