He Gives Us Strength

Philippians 4:13 NIV

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Most people are used to this being quoted as "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  But here is says I can "do all this".  What is the difference?

None. The NIV version just helps us see the context of what Paul was trying to say.  Paul had experienced ups and downs in the ministry. He had freedom but now was in chains.  He had money but at times he did not.  He had plenty of food in some places and was hungry in others. Through it all, however, Paul did not complain because he had Christ.  

With Christ we can get through all these things or situations. With Christ, we find strength to keep going when others are giving up. I see people give up in so many ways: alcohol abuse,  drug abuse, pornography, greed, pride, anxiety...All of these are exits from reality.  All are ways people hide when Christ is not first in their life, and they lack the strength to face it.  They attempt to find it somewhere else.

I would much rather have the strength of Christ in my life than to return to a place where I needed the pseudo strength found in life altering addictions. None of us are perfect and at times we need help getting through tough times.  We do not have to do it all alone.  Jesus promised to go through it with us and give us the strength we need.  Take it from someone who knows.

Do not struggle with addictions or other alternatives when facing tough life situations. Give Christ an opening in your life and let Him bolster the strength within you. Let Christ be the difference in your life. You may just find the strength to get a lot more done in life and in your relationships.

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