The Source of Our Strength - March 5
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 30, 32; PM Psalm 42, 43; Ezek. 39:21-29; Phil. 4:10-20; John 17:20-26
Today’s Reflection
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. –Philippians 4: 13
This verse from Philippians 4 is one that you might find printed on a bookmark or magnet, or perhaps on your favorite coffee cup. We like this verse because it is very positive and encouraging—it literally has that ‘can do’ mindset.
Of course, in our very individualistic culture, many of us tend to be focused on the first part: “I can do.” However, that is only part of the story. How can we do all things? “Through him who strengthens me.” The source of our strength, the source of what nourishes us to make us strong for what we are called to be and called to do, is God who made us and loves us and is with us through all things.
As we are reminded in the verses we read from Philippians 4 today, Paul knows what it is both to be well-fed and to be hungry, to have plenty and to be in need. The secret, he writes to his friends in Philippi, is knowing that no matter how much he has or does not have materially, God will always give him enough to strengthen him for what he faces both today and in the days to come. And how does he strengthen Paul, how does he provide nourishment? God strengthens Paul (and us) by setting us in communities, by giving us companions and partners to come alongside us in our times of distress. As Paul writes, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me. In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress.”
God has strengthened us, Paul writes, through placing you and I in each other’s lives to share in whatever life holds: plenty and want, joy and distress. God has given us one another to strengthen us. The people in Philippi had been great supporters and encouragers of Paul and his ministry: “when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone.” Paul had received sustenance from these loyal friends in Philippi since the earliest days of his working for the Gospel. Here, Paul is acknowledging the Philippians faithful friendship and support. He is expressing his gratefulness to God for strengthening him through them—and he wants them to know that the love and support flow both ways, as he prays for them: “And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Becky+
Questions for Reflection
Reflect on a challenging time in your life, some time when it seemed like you would not have enough. Looking back, how do you see how God placed friends alongside you to strengthen you in your time of need? And how have you been that source of strength for others?
Daily Challenge
Write a note of thanks for someone through whom God has given you strength. Pray that God would place on your heart someone whom you can share with and nourish them so that they may be strong to do what God has in store for them.