Reading: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

Prior to his conversion to Christ, Saul of Tarsus was a proud man. 

However, when he was converted on the road to Damascus he was completely transformed. The proud, arrogant, and self-centred Saul became a humble follower of Christ, anxious to do His will and ready to go at His command. From that moment Paul became an outstanding servant of Christ. He spent his energy preaching the gospel, establishing churches, evangelising the lost, teaching believers, writing epistles, disputing with the opponents of Christ, and ministering to the saints. It was arduous work that often involved extreme trials and personal dangers.

Paul’s missionary journeys and dedicated service to Christ could not have been attempted or completed in his own strength. This was spiritual work and it needed special power. This is what Paul humbly confesses in our text. Christ had strengthened him, thus enabling him to serve faithfully and fearlessly. This empowerment is exactly what Christ has promised to His people. His strength is unlimited; there is nothing too hard for Him. His strength is reliable; it never waxes and wanes for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His strength is suitable; all that we need He can and does supply. And His strength is inexhaustible. This accounts for Paul’s success as a Christian worker. He did not labour in his own power but in the power of the Lord.

Has God called you to a particular field of service and is the way ahead filled with difficulties and dangers? Do you feel unworthy, unable, and unfitted for your task? Remember, God chooses the weak things to confound the mighty and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We cannot go forward in our own strength, but we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.

“Church greatness consists in being greatly serviceable.” Richard Baxter

Taken from A Word in Season edited by Alan Cairns, 2010. Used by permission.