Philippians 4:13 (AMP)
13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
One thing is for sure, we cannot do what God has called us to do in our own strength, He alone can empower us to do and fulfill the mission at hand. When Jesus was about to return to heaven He told His disciples to wait until the helper came, why? Because they could not accomplish the mission on their own strength and understanding, they needed to be empowered from on high. When the Holy Ghost came upon them then they were strengthened to accomplish the mission before them without fear.
When God calls us, we feel inadequate and unable, rightly so if we are depending on our own strength and understanding, but if we depend on Him then we can accomplish the task ahead. Just yesterday I was having a conversation with a fellow pastor and he was sharing how he has been fighting with God concerning this calling to be a pastor because he feels so inadequate, so inadequate he hardly hangs out with other pastors because he feels like an imposter when in their company.
Christ strengthens us to do, we are strengthened for action and not to sit and wait and look good. All who confess Christ as Lord have been called to do, we have been empowered to go out and do as we become. In the process of doing what we have been called to do, we will encounter all sorts of situations. Paul who wrote these scriptures was no exception. Before he talks about being strengthened to do all things, he paints a picture of the hardships he has overcome while in the process of doing what Christ called him to do.
Philippians 4:12
12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.
Paul is not talking about being strengthened to do anything he wants to do, (as many misquote this scripture) no! He is talking about being strengthened in whatever circumstances to fulfill what God has called him to do.
Are you on a mission? God’s mission?
Have you been called to a specific task?
Christ who is our rock and salvation has already strengthened you to overcome and conquer. He who called you will strengthen and enable you to fulfill what He has called you to do. Take courage, all things are possible to them that believe!
Remember;
Isaiah 40:31…… but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
