Week 8 - Day 5 - A Relationship With Jesus

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Devotions, A Relationship With Jesus
Today’s Devotion Spoken…

Strength in Christ

Scripture: Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Devotional:

It’s very hard to stroll past this scripture without understanding the power of it. I have seen this enacted in many lives, my own included. Did I ever in my wildest dreams, think that I would be writing these devotionals, walking with others to God. Did I ever imagine that I would speak without fear to hundreds of thousands of people and stare down evil at every turn? 

It was at a protest rally where I was about to pray infant of hundreds of thousands of people that I faced and incredible challenge. Word had been received that a contract had been taken out to do me in. Police and others urged me to go home as the crowd was too big and my safety was in jeopardy. But Jesus convinced me to stay and pray. When I was advised that authorities could not protect me in this crowd Jesus assured me that He was my protection. After much prayer before I approached the microphone to speak He impressed me that if I were to see a gun aimed at me, that I would stand firm, point at the shooter and dare him to shoot. I never felt more empowered and more secure in my life. I prayed and heard hundreds of thousands call out amen and I then walked from the stage.

God had showed me yet again that my strength was in my vulnerability. In the realisation that I had no power, I had only one viable choice from the two available. I could run home with my tail between my legs or stand in the power of the Cross through Jesus Christ who strengthens me for His glory alone.

Paul’s declaration in Philippians 4:13 is a powerful reminder of the source of our strength as believers. In acknowledging his own limitations and weaknesses, Paul affirms his confidence in the empowering presence of Christ in his life. This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian living: relying on Christ’s strength rather than our own.

As followers of Christ, we often face challenges, obstacles, and trials that seem insurmountable. In our own strength, we may feel inadequate and powerless. However, when we place our trust in Christ and surrender our will to His, we tap into an unlimited reservoir of divine strength.

The key to experiencing the strength of Christ lies in our dependency on Him. When we acknowledge our need for His empowerment and rely on His grace, He equips us to face any situation with courage, perseverance, and resilience. His strength enables us not only to endure hardships but also to overcome them victoriously.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Reflect on a time when you felt utterly powerless or overwhelmed. How did relying on Christ’s strength help you navigate through that situation?
  2. In what areas of your life do you tend to rely on your own strength rather than Christ’s? How can you cultivate a greater dependency on Him in those areas?
  3. Consider the implications of Paul’s statement, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” How does this truth challenge your perspective on your capabilities and limitations?

Prayer:

Gracious Father, .Papa God

Thank you for the promise of strength that we find in Christ Jesus. Help us to recognise our dependency on Him in every aspect of our lives and to surrender our weaknesses to His empowering grace. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit, that we may face every challenge with confidence, knowing that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness. May we glorify You through our reliance on Christ’s strength, trusting in His power to accomplish all things according to Your will. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

Graham Hood.

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