I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). Philippians was written by Paul to assure the believers in Philippi of God's unfailing purpose in all situations. He speaks in this 4th chapter of Philippians about an "I can do" attitude. Paul's experience in various circumstances of life, made him to conclude generally that he could "do all things." He could bear any trial, perform any duty, subdue any evil, etc. He now expresses the firm confidence that nothing would be required of him which he would not be able to perform. As expressed in our text, Paul's declaration was not a vain self-reliance, nor was it the mere result of his former experience. He knew well where the strength was coming from, the strength by which he could do all things, and upon that arm of the Almighty GOD that was able to uphold him, he confidently relied. He learned how to rely on God’s strength. Paul was not a victim of his circumstances, he was a victor. He knew that the Lord is in control, and he also knew that it was a matter of choice for him to trust in the Lord in all of his circumstances. Paul chose to trust God even in the dark.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).

Philippians was written by Paul to assure the believers in Philippi of God's unfailing purpose in all situations. He speaks in this 4th chapter of Philippians about an "I can do" attitude. Paul's experience in various circumstances of life, made him to conclude generally that he could "do all things." He could bear any trial, perform any duty, subdue any evil, etc. He now expresses the firm confidence that nothing would be required of him which he would not be able to perform. As expressed in our text, Paul's declaration was not a vain self-reliance, nor was it the mere result of his former experience. He knew well where the strength was coming from, the strength by which he could do all things, and upon that arm of the Almighty GOD that was able to uphold him, he confidently relied. He learned how to rely on God’s strength. Paul was not a victim of his circumstances, he was a victor. He knew that the Lord is in control, and he also knew that it was a matter of choice for him to trust in the Lord in all of his circumstances. Paul chose to trust God even in the dark.

Philippians 4, verse 13, is a scripture we should always keep present in our hearts and minds. Whenever we face difficulties, or things that are greater than ourselves, we need just to remember the God we serve, and how, through HIM, we can do everything: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Here is one of the great Bible truth, the experience of God’s strength, God’s power, and God’s victory in our circumstances. I hope this scripture will stick with you not only today, but also that it would stay with you throughout your lifetime. There is nothing impossible with God (Luke 1:37), and likewise through Him and HIS strength, there is nothing impossible for us.

According to our text, if you just read the first part of this verse, it would immediately sound an alarm indicating arrogance: "I can do all things." This was the spirit that attempted to build the tower of Babel but could not succeed. Many today infected by humanism and without any trust in God - make the same claim: "I can do all things." Yet, no sooner had they begun a project than you see them failing. But the next two words, "through Christ" in the verse take this out of the context of arrogance completely. So, it is no longer a boast of self: "I can do all things." Rather, it is, "I can do all things through Christ." Which makes a big difference. It is one thing for someone to say, "I can do all things." It is quite different for another to confess, "I can do all things through Christ."

Now to get the impact of this, pause and think about what you could not do without Him. Without Him, you could not have adequate knowledge of God. Without Him, you could not experience victory over sin. Jesus said to His disciples, "without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). In Ephesians 2, verse 12, the scripture teaches that outside of Christ, we have "no hope" and we are "without God in the world." Therefore, being with Christ and through Him; in our relationship of active faith in Him, we have strength we could not have in any other way. Through Christ, we have strength that comes through born again experience, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, we have strength in answer to prayer we offer to God through Him. Through Christ, we have strength to adequately evaluate ourselves. Strength of character as we follow His example and obey Him. Of the strength which Christ can impart, Paul had had abundant experience; and now his whole reliance was there. It was not in any native ability which he had; not in any vigor of body or of mind; not in any power which was in his own resolutions; rather, it was in the strength that he derived from the Redeemer.
Today, the POWER of GOD is still flowing, and His strength is made available in such abundance that we can do everything God wants us to do - I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. In your life experience, either good or bad, you have a choice to trust in God and His strength. Many times we feel that we are powerless victims of fate. Our attitude is "I can not" overcome, "I can not" make it, "I can not" do this or do that. It is an attitude of doubt and disbelief, and a lack of trust and faith in God. This attitude is of the devil and is not of God. The devil would want us to think that we are worthless and cannot do anything. God wants us to think positively, and to change from the "I can not" negative attitude to the "I can" positive attitude. In the same breath, Paul reminds us that our "I can not" becomes "I can" through Christ. How?

By learning to rely on God’s strength in your life situations. In fact, what is very important to see here is that this spirit of "I can do all things through Christ" is "learned", which means to "learn by experience." As you exercise your faith muscle, your ability to trust Him grows. You learn to rely on God’s power through your life experience, one choice at a time, and what you find is that your faith grows even greater the next time a difficult situation arises. That is why Paul’s faith grew as he walked with God. He learned to trust in God’s strength day-by-day. Paul encourages the church at Philippi that even though they may be going through tough time, that they, through Christ, can do all things. And I believe that God wants us to have that kind of attitude today, no matter what we are facing. Now you may ask this question, "How do I get over the "I can not" negative attitude?

Beloved, we need to recognize that our ultimate, all in all strength, is found in God and God alone. Apart from God, we really can not do anything, but when we get hooked up to the ultimate power source, which is Jesus, we can do all things according to his will and for his purpose. I believe what David says, "The Lord is my strength and my redeemer." God is our ultimate strength and source. We have to get hooked up to God to overcome the "I can not" negative attitude. We must deal or do away with fear and anxiety. As it is written, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." We fear trying new things, why? Because of fear of the unknown. But we have to realize the POWER God has bestowed upon us. Fear and anxiety are tools of the enemy, and we need to recognize the power God has given us over him. The Bible says, "If you resist the devil, he will flee!" We have to get over our fears in order to conquer the "I can not" negative attitude.

As a Believer, you must believe in yourself too - you have to BELIEVE that you can do it or make it happen. We have to believe that we can do whatever it is that we are trying to do. Are you relying on His strength today? Where do you need God’s strength today? In what area of your life do you need to claim the promise of His strength? His grace really is sufficient. Jesus Christ called Himself the Alpha and the Omega, and we do not have to go outside of him for anything that we need. He is God’s "everything" in all situations. Jesus is all-sufficient God for us. We have to exercise faith in things we don’t see yet. The most important part of a tree is the part that you cannot see - the root system, and the most important part of the Christian’s life is the part that only God can see - the life of faith. Unless we draw on the deep resources of God by faith, we will fail against the pressures of life. Paul depended on the power of Christ at work in his life. Therefore, he declared, "I can do all things by means of the strength of Christ in me." I am the instrument, He is the power! You too must believe that you can do it or make it happen in this life through the same power of GOD. God’s Word is true: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. I encourage you, no matter what you are facing today, you can do it, and you can make it happen, just stay close to God, and he will empower you, TO DO ALL THINGS!

Here are three important facts I don't want you to miss:
(1). God’s strength is sufficient in our trials and burdens.
(2). God’s strength is also sufficient in whatever the Lord calls us to do. That God who empowered Paul to fulfill his mission is still the same today, He will also empower you, He will strengthen you to do what He has called you to do.
(3). God’s strength is also sufficient to empower us to face whatever the future holds.

As you read and apply this message to your heart the Almighty God will richly bless you. Remain blessed in the LORD. Keep on reading and following the LORD, JESUS CHRIST...from Evangelist Chikadibia S. F. Emenike. See me at: http://fasuchem.blogspot.com/, http://fasuchem.wordpress.com/, http://fasuchem.livejournal.com/, http://fasuchem.tumblr.com/, http://fasuchem.blog.com/, http://fasuchem.tblog.com/, http://my.opera.com/fasuchem/blog/, http://twitter.com/fasuchem/, http://facebook.com/fasuchem/, http://fasuchem.stumbleupon.com/, etc.