When
we quote the first half of Philippians 4:13, we put the emphasis on our self. WE
can do all things. We stop there, feeling rather smug with our self and overly
confident in our own ability to accomplish great works for God.
Let
us quote the verse in its entirety: "I can do everything, which God asks
me to do, through the power of Christ in me, who gives me the
ability and the strength to obey."
This
verse is actually telling us that apart from Christ, we can do nothing (John
15:5). He is the Vine, and we are the branches. Apart from the vine, the branch
is useless and dies.
A
branch bears no fruit apart from the vine. The Vine gives us the ability and
strength to produce only that fruit, which the Vinedresser created us to bear
(John 15:1).
We
do not do works for God, but the works of God, which He called us to do before
we were ever born (Ephesians 2:10). His perfect plan, orchestrated for each
life, yields a beautiful symphony.
This
way we cannot either take any credit for our accomplishments or feel as if we
are incapable of acting on the Holy Spirit's direction. We gain our direction
from Christ in us (Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 1:27).
Christ
abides within us from the instant of our salvation and throughout our lifetime
(Matthew 28:20). God's Spirit directs and supports us in each situation, which He
allows to come our way (Isaiah 41:10; Daniel 3:24-25).
Nothing
will occur in our life, which is not part of God's plan for us, unless we are
reaping the consequences of our disobedience or self-will. Since Christ dwells
within us, we can do everything, which God calls us to do.
Prayer:
Father
God, we find rest for our soul - our mind, choices and emotions, when we
realize that we no longer need to figure everything out and to plan for every
contingency. We rest in the realization that Jesus is our way, truth and life
(John 14:6).
As
we come to know You in a deeper relationship, we rely on Christ as our wisdom
and strength (Philippians 3:20; 1 Corinthians 1:30). We completely surrender to
You, as You direct our thoughts, words and deeds according to Your perfect will
for us (Romans 12:2).
Thought
for the Day:
God
calls us to live beyond human reason, as we receive His divine revelation for
each moment of our day.
