I Can Do All Things - Philippians 4:13

Monday February 29

I Can Do All Things - Philippians 4:13 (ESV)

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

If you are like me, you can recite this verse, but in real life, find yourself far from being able “to do all things.”

Why? Because we do not let Christ strengthen us?  Every Biblically-aware believer knows “what God wants;” and they seek to do it with His strength. Or do we know this so well that it has lost its impact on how we “work out our salvation” (Philippians 2:12) 

Recently, a close friend of mine discovered this truth regarding victory over alcohol, which he had struggled with for years. It was a time of deliverance preceded by many hours of recent fervent prayer by this person’s family. I was fortunate to be there during his time of deliverance. I remember leaving the prayer time and thinking that something powerful had just taken place.

The day after that my friend attended church and was touched by the pastor’s closing prayer. More prayers from more pastors; something big happened! Years of bondage were broken and this person was set free - free indeed! The intercessions of others came to God’s throne of grace and were answered.

Sometimes, Christ’s strength is imparted by the prayers of others. We are to carry one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).

Prayer is God’s gift, made possible by the mediating sacrifice of Jesus. It is the tool of God to bring our thoughts captive to the thoughts of God. (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV).

Jesus,
Thank you for removing the barrier between us and God through Your perfect sacrifice on the cross. Amen.
 

 Carl E. Burkhead - Lawrence, Kansas