I can do all things

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13 ESV

Many of us cling to this verse in times of difficulty and we should, because it is right. We can do all things through him who strengthens us. The Christians life is filled with challenges and difficulties, yet we do not have to succumb to them. We can stand in the face of adversity because of Jesus.

Because of Jesus we are not alone in our struggles. We can be strong. I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 4:12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. ESV The Lord is our strength in time of trial.

We live in a world where so often we feel all alone, but in Jesus we  never are alone. Think of what Paul’s life was like, he suffered many things for the cause of Christ yet he never wavered in his mission. Why is that? It is because he knew where his strength came from. He knew that he could do all things, not just some things. He could do all things through Him that strengthened him, that is the Lord.

So today, if you find yourself doubting your ability to cope with what has come your way in life remember Paul’s word of encouragement. You too can do “all things” through Him who strengthens you.

© 2013 Leo J. Woodman

Count the cost

For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:28,33 ESV

Jesus warned His potential followers to count the cost, before making a commitment they weren’t ready to follow through on. The decision to follow Jesus is not one to be taken lightly. To follow Jesus is to do what he does.

Jesus gave His life to serve His Father and do His will. When we claim to be a follower of Christ we are claiming to serve God and do His will. Following Jesus is not simply joining a group that makes you feel good about yourself.

Jesus said that if you want to follow Him you must renounce all that you have. How many of us have truly done that? Think of Jesus apostles, they left everything and everyone to follow Him. Every one of Jesus apostles gave their lives to serve God and do His will. The average Christian does not believe that is what the “average” christian is called to do.

Do we truly believe that Jesus said something that He didn’t mean? I don’t think so. My friend Scott didn’t think so. He left everything to follow in the steps of Jesus. He believed that he was called to bring the gospel to everyone, everywhere.

So today, let’s ask ourselves do we believe what Jesus said concerning following Him? What have we given up in our lives to follow Jesus, or have they really not changed at all. Are we clinging to the life we have and  not doing much to reach out to the world around us?

© 2013 Leo J. Woodman