Today’s Encouragement is Philippians 4:13 (NLT) For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Through Christ –
Sometimes we get confused by apparent contradictions in Scripture, for example, how do we reconcile this statement with Jesus’ words in John 15:5 (NLT) “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
The difference is obvious and very clear if you read the verses fully… Everything is possible THROUGH CHRIST. And APART from Him… we can do nothing… nothing is possible apart from Him. This is a critical Truth to embrace; without Christ, we can do nothing good, nothing of any value… but through Christ… we can do anything and everything!
Friends, God’s Truth is our guide, whether we agree, understand, or think it is logical or reasonable… our opinions, and our limited capacity to understand God’s ways, do not Limit His Truth.
But we all too quickly say, “I just can’t”!! To any number of things which God invites us to; things that seem too big, far, high, important, challenging, etc. The Bible is filled with people who essentially said to God, “I Can’t…” Moses said he had a speech impediment and so couldn’t speak for God to Pharoah; Jonah ran away and tried to hide, then even tried suicide to escape God’s call; Even the disciples ran away when Jesus was arrested!
Father God, we have plenty of excuses to refuse You. Yet we realize that the key to our relationship with You is obedience, and only in following You do we find our Joy and Peace. Help us Lord to obey You and to do everything – through Christ.
Yet not I but through Christ in me
City Alight
Today’s Encouragement 