Challenge: The Secret

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.  Phil 4:13 NASB

It’s rather exciting to think of tackling great odds in light of this verse.  But, it isn’t quite so much fun when we take it in context of Phil 4:10-12.  Paul isn’t talking about moving mountains.  He isn’t really even talking about accomplishing the ministry of the gospel.  He’s talking about enduring the daily challenges of life, whether in want or in plenty. 

When I have plenty, it’s so much easier to rely on the plenty than on His strength.  Which do I choose?  What about when I am in want?  Those are the times I have a tendency to be reminded that I must rely on His strength, but do I really do so?  Maybe my faith is grown in those times, but how much does my strength to be effective for His kingdom waiver and falter when provision for my basic needs is in question?  Am I so caught up in want and my own growing faith that I ignore the kingdom work for that time?

In verse 12, Paul mentions knowing the secret of living in all circumstances, whether in want or plenty.  The secret is that through it all he relies on the strength of Christ, not on the strength of provision. 

There is never constancy in provision.  There will always be a time when even the wealthiest are in want of something.  Provision fails.  Christ does not.  In Him there is perfect constancy.  If He is the One I trust in this walk of life, then I truly will be able to do all things faithfully.  I will never have to change strategy based on provision because He is my provision for all needs.  I will never be distracted by lack of provision because I trust the source, not the details. 

My challenge is to not only learn Paul’s secret but to truly live it.  Only then will I be able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.