Gives Me Strength

Date: February 24, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

Bible Scripture Verse – Philippians 4:13

"I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength."

Listen for God’s Voice

Lord, I confess that I often try to face life's challenges on my own, relying on my own strength and abilities instead of turning to you. I ask for forgiveness for the times when I have failed to trust in your power and wisdom.

I pray that you would give me the strength and courage I need to face the trials and difficulties that come my way. Help me to remember that I am never alone and that you are always with me, guiding and supporting me through every moment. I am sure there are others here that pray this same prayer.

May we rely on your strength and grace to accomplish everything that you have called us to do. May your Holy Spirit work in us to empower us to live lives that honor you and bring glory to your name.

Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?

The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians while he was in prison in Rome around 62-63 AD, near the end of his life. This verse is part of a passage that he wrote expressing his gratitude to them for their support and encouragement. He tells them that he has learned to be content in any circumstance, whether he is hungry or fed, whether he is living with everything he wants or has nothing. That’s when he writes, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” He relies on his ability to endure anything that comes his way because of his reliance on God’s strength. 

Study and Savor – Key Words or phrases

There are really only the two phrases in this verse:

"I can do all things" suggests that with Christ, we have the ability to overcome any obstacle or challenge that comes our way. This phrase speaks to the limitless potential that believers have with the help of God, encouraging us to have faith in our abilities and trust in His plan for our lives.

"Through Christ who strengthens me" reminds us that our strength and power come not from ourselves, but from God. By relying on Christ's strength, we can find the courage and perseverance to face any situation. This phrase emphasizes the importance of staying connected to God and seeking His guidance and support in all aspects of our lives.

Summarize and Share

Philippians 4:13 is a powerful reminder of the limitless potential that we have as believers when we rely on Christ's strength. It speaks to the encouragement we can find in God's power, rather than the struggles we face in our trials.

When we face trials and difficulties in our lives, which we will, it can be easy to become discouraged and feel like we don't have the strength to overcome them. But as Philippians 4:13 reminds us, we don't have to face our challenges alone. Through Christ, we have access to unlimited strength and power, allowing us to persevere through any situation.

This verse also encourages us to find contentment in all or our circumstances. Whether we are experiencing abundance or lack, we can rest assured that God is with us and will provide us with everything we need. By relying on His strength, we can find peace and contentment even in the midst of our difficult circumstances.

And most importantly, Philippians 4:13 points to Christ's victory over sin and death as the ultimate source of our encouragement. As believers, we know that Christ has already overcome the world and has promised to be with us always. By putting our faith in Him, we can find the courage and strength to face anything that comes our way, knowing that He has already won the ultimate victory.

As you go about your day today, remember the encouraging message of Philippians 4:13. Rely on Christ's strength to face our challenges, find contentment in all circumstances, and rest in the victory that He has already won for us. With God's help, we can accomplish anything and find joy in every moment, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.

Bible Cross Reference

Ephesians 3:20: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." This verse emphasizes the limitless potential that we have with God's help, similar to the message in Philippians 4:13.

2 Corinthians 12:9: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." This verse speaks to the idea that we are made strong in our weaknesses through Christ's power, which is similar to the message of Philippians 4:13.

Isaiah 40:31: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." This verse reminds us that we can find strength and perseverance by putting our hope in the Lord, much like the message of Philippians 4:13.

John 15:5: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." This verse emphasizes our need to remain connected to Christ and rely on Him for strength, which is a central message of Philippians 4:13.