When
we quote the first half of Philippians 4:13, we usually 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.
We
need to 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."
This
verse is actually telling us that apart from Christ, we can do nothing (John
15:5). He is the vine, 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 predispositions us
to bear (John 15:1).
God's
perfect plan, orchestrated for each life, yields a beautiful symphony. We do
not do works for God, but the works of God, which He called us to do before we
were ever born (Ephesians 2:20).
This
way we cannot take any credit for our accomplishments nor should we feel that we are incapable of obeying the Holy Spirit's direction. Christ is within every
authentic Believer, every step of our life (Matthew 28:20).
God's
Spirit directs and supports us in each situation, which life throws our way
(Isaiah 41:10; Daniel 3:24-25). We gain our identity and power from Christ in us
(Colossians 1:27).
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 ever
contingency. We rest in the realization that Jesus is our way, truth and life
(John 14:6).
As
we know You in a deeper relationship, Christ is also our wisdom and strength
(Philippians 3:20; 1 Corinthians 1:30). We completely surrender to You and Your
direction of our thoughts, words and deeds according to Your perfect will for
us (Romans 12:2).
Thought
for the Day:
Nothing
will occur in our life, which is not already part of God's plan for us, unless
we are reaping the consequences of our disobedience or self-will.
