I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.     Philippians 4:13 NKJV

I used to think I was a strong person, but I have come to realize that without God I have no strength. I used to consider myself wise, but I have come to understand that without God I am not so bright.

The psalmist wrote in Psalms 121:1-2, I lift up my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.

In our Scripture passage, Paul is writing to the Philippians. In Philippians 4:10 he begins by thanking them for their support and their concern for him. He goes on to say that He has learned to be content in whatever circumstances he may face. He says whether he has a little or a lot he has learned the secret of being content because he can do or endure all things through Christ who gives him strength.

Paul had spent a great deal of his life as Saul. He had persecuted Christians. He thought he was doing a good thing until he came face to face with Jesus on Damascus Road.

Paul repented and began to spread the gospel. He planted many new churches. He suffered a great deal for his Christianity. We are told in 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 of all the things he endured. These include afflictions, hardships, difficulties, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, times of hunger, and purity.

Paul, like the Psalmist, knew where his help came from. He knew where his strength and his endurance came from. He knew that as long as he was in Christ, Christ would provide all he needed.

My friend if we are not in Christ, we are in the world. If we are in the world, we are stuck out there on our own. You may think you have the support of friends and family, but that will only take you so far.

We need God’s strength to get through life today. Many people talk about how bad things are in the world. I’ve got bad news and good news. The bad news is it’s not going to get any better. Don’t take my word for it read your Bibles. Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

The good news is with God’s help, strength, and wisdom, you can navigate through this world. You can not only have the strength to endure and survive. But you can have the strength and the wisdom to help others do the same.

Paul not only knew where his strength came from, but he shared this with others in an effort to lead them to Christ. He was strengthened by Christ to do the work Christ had called him to do.

We are beginning to study Samson in our Sunday School lesson. He was set apart by God from birth to destroy the Philistines. God gave him supernatural strength to do what God had called him to do.

Samson was disobedient and went against the things Christ called him to do. He didn’t use it to win others to Christ. His behavior and demeanor were more likely to turn others away. Sadly, God took his strength away.

In the end, Samson regained his strength just long enough to destroy the Philistines and himself in one last effort to do what God had called him to do. Samson let pride take hold of him and this was his downfall (Proverbs 16:18). You can read all about Samson in Judges 13-16.

Do you know where your strength comes from? Do you think you are doing it all on your own? Are you going about it your way? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you may want to rethink that.

I don’t ever want to rely on me again. I know where my strength comes from. I know that without Jesus in my life, it’s a hot mess. I’ve been there, done that, and got the T-shirt.

My prayer for you today is that you understand where all good things come from (James 1:17-19) and that you use all He has given you to serve Him.

Have a great day!