A Favorite regarding Strength

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13 NKJV

We're a society of multi-taskers. I think it's an incredible testament to how God created us, but I don't think we were meant to do it every day, all day long. After all, we're supposed to do ALL things in moderation, right?

At any rate, I think God showed me a new perspective of our text for today - specifically, I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. How many of us claim this Scripture when we have a ton of things to do and we're already tired? Yes - I see those hands...

How many of us quote this Scripture in prayer back to God in kind of a back-handed way because we think we've already got more than enough to do and now there's one more thing and doesn't He know how busy I am, but I'll suffer through because I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength...

Somewhere along the way, the enemy of our soul has managed to warp our thinking! How many people do you know who refuse help with their tasks at hand because they think they're showing signs of weakness if they can't do it on their own? Or worse, think they're disappointing God if they can't accomplish it on their own?

When I don't have the strength to do something on my own, but someone comes alongside to help, I CAN get it done. When we have more tasks to be completed in a day than we can get done by ourselves and inside we're trying to pump ourselves up with the Word of God, I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength... I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength... I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength... then someone offers to help. How many of us refuse the help with, No, I can do it...

God never called us to walk alone. Hear me out. I'm not talking about your times alone with God - those are mandatory - I'm talking about the walking out part of our journey. If your load is heavy, it is made lighter by splitting it with someone, thereby increasing your strength. If you have MUCH to do, doesn't it get done more quickly if there is an extra pair of hands? This morning, I finally recognized that as another form of strength - a gift from God. I can do all things through Christ who GIVES me strength... Think about it.

What if that strength you're begging God for comes in the form of another person?

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for answered prayers, even when the answer is no. Help us to recognize Your answer doesn't always fit our specs because we're not You. We acknowledge and affirm that You know what is best for our lives. Father, please give us strength. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen