One of my favorite verses in the Bible is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). As a Christian, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of relying on Christ in our daily lives. Life is filled with challenging decisions and responsibilities, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and inadequate. We often doubt ourselves, thinking we aren’t good enough or that someone else would handle things better.
This mindset can lead us to miss out on opportunities, experiences, accomplishments, and even the chance to positively impact others. We stifle our potential, remaining in a comfort zone of complacency. Fear, lack of self-confidence, and discomfort can prevent us from facing the difficult decisions life presents.
My own journey of surrendering to Christ began during a time of profound self-doubt, depression, and disappointment. In my darkest moments, I found solace in Philippians 4:13. If Christ is who He says He is, I can trust Him with my challenges and decisions, knowing He will guide me. As I began to walk by faith, I discovered the strength that only Christ can provide.
Living the Verse: A Personal Story
An unforgettable example of this verse’s significance occurred on July 4th weekend in 2024. My wife, Caryl, our kids, Tyson (8) and Hailey (6), and I visited my aunt’s condo, where the highlight of our gathering was a trip to the clubhouse pool. Both Tyson and Hailey love the water but couldn’t swim, so they always wore life jackets.
Tyson was determined not to wear his life jacket that day, likely because he thought it didn’t look cool. This became an opportunity to teach him to swim. Despite his initial reluctance, I encouraged him to trust me and follow my instructions. We started with small distances, with me as his end destination. The final challenge was to swim from one end of the pool to the other, with me walking beside him, offering encouragement and ensuring his safety. Tyson succeeded, and the crowd cheered, boosting his confidence and belief in his abilities.
Hailey, inspired by her brother’s achievement, decided to take off her life jacket as well. We started with small distances, and I guided her with clear instructions. When it was time for her big challenge, Hailey swam across the pool, supported by my voice and the cheering crowd. Her success was a testament to her trust in me and her newfound confidence.
The Spiritual Parallel
This experience illuminated the spiritual parallel of God’s desire for us to have an authentic relationship with Christ and the role of the Church in our Christian journey. Just as my children trusted and listened to me, we must trust and obey the voice of Christ. This trust begins with a true relationship with Christ, built on the knowledge of His love for us. It’s not about religion but about a relationship that leads to trust, listening, and action.
The Church, representing the body of Christ, plays a crucial role in this journey. The Church bears witness to God’s greatness, providing an encouraging and infectious environment that inspires others to experience the same love and strength in Christ.
As God’s children, He desires a relationship built on trust in His love, providing the strength we need to face life’s challenges. The body of believers is tasked with representing this love, inviting others to become part of God’s family through Christ. Through this relationship, we can confidently proclaim, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
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Written by: Ramsey