When we hear these words from the Word, what do we think? Is the Lord telling us through Paul, who is writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that we can do ‘anything’ we decide to do because Christ is in us?
There is obviously a ‘yes’, and ‘no’ answer to that question. It is ‘yes’ when God gives us a clear direction to do something. We can absolutely count on the fact that if He calls us to do it, we will be given the ability to do it through Him. It might require a strength in mind, or body, or persistence, or resource, that we could not do on our own, but we can expect it to come.
The ‘no’ is when we decide to do something that is not in His will for us. For instance if we feel something should be happening in our life but we do not see it forthcoming, and we decide we are not doing enough to make it happen and jump into an area where God is still putting things together, we will not see His supernatural presence or strength in it.
As we look at the scripture leading up to Paul’s affirmation, it says: “For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4: 12 -13.
Paul had learned to wait upon the Lord, and to be contented while he waited. We know that He thought he was called to destroy those who had decided to follow Jesus, but the Lord had other things in mind for him. Paul learned that miracles would come when the Lord was in it. He was used by the Lord to touch lives in such a way that ultimately led to the Gospel being spread around the known world at that time. God gave him a strength that was supernatural as we see from the Word. Paul had been brought up in the finest schools, and was a person of privilege and influence in his world, but after God’s call, he was not concerned about himself, and the comforts of affluence; he had a Mission that God had given, and a message that would require a strength beyond anything he had on his own. So it is for each of us. We are to look to the Lord for the strength we need.
The bottom line for us is to pray, and listen to the Lord about what He needs us to do while we are in this short life. It may be something huge, and world impacting, or it may be one who is called to be a great Mom, or Dad, or Friend, or a Worker that seems to have a menial task. But there are no menial tasks. As Paul said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Our contentment comes from doing what we have been given to do ‘that day’. When we look to the Lord, giving thanks for the opportunity to be the best we can be today – doing whatever He has given us to do, He will give us the strength to do it, and do it well. When we do, that brings contentment.
Have a wonderful day, blessed in every way, and in all things, God’s Beloveds. The Word says, “The joy of the Lord is your Strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 Amen, and Amen.