“I can do all things (which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose–I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace)” Philippians 4:13 AMP
AS we begin our faith journey, it is important to understand from the beginning that we in and of ourselves do not have the capacity to make it to the finish! The Apostle Paul knew this well!
“Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; 9but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough–always available–regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. 10So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].” 2 Corinthians 8-10 AMP
He understood that he did not have the power to sustain his walk with Christ! Notice that the key here, “My grace and mercy are enough…” It is only in and through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to accomplish the things He has assigned us to do. Jesus told the disciples following His accession into heaven to “go and wait for the Holy Spirit!
“While being together and eating with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Of which,” He said, “you have heard Me speak. 5For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized and empowered and united with the Holy Spirit, not long from now.” Acts 1: 4-5 AMP
If those who walked with Jesus needed to experience the power of the Holy Spirit, how much more we? Our journey’s end is to know the reality of the power of God though His Word as we take a step of faith and apply action to our prayers. Obedience is never easy. Basically we are saying to God that whatever command is given to us about His promise we will believe and obey! Let me leave you with this verse and our prayer for today.
“If you know these things, you are blessed [happy and favored by God] if you put them into practice [and faithfully do them].” John 13:17 AMP
Father, today I chose to put Your Word into action that I may complete that which you have purposed for me today. (Jn 13:17) I will observe and do Your Word that it may be well with me and that I might increase mightily as You have promised those before me and to me to lead me to a land filed with good things. (Deut. 6:3) Jesus, I will keep Your commandments as You have kept the commandments of Your Father. (Jn. 15:10) I will carefully follow Your Word so that I may prosper in everything I do. (Deut. 29:9) The things which I have learned from Your Word I receive and will do so that Your peace may rest upon me. (Phil. 4:9) In Jesus name, Amen!
Have an obedient day! Pastor Ken