Through Christ

As a momma of a child who played competitive sports most of his young life, I had the opportunity to see a variety of ways that parents and coaches encourage their kids to “give it their all,” “never give up,” or “expect nothing less than success.” 

One way of doing this was by imprinting this familiar and well-loved verse in abundance on ball caps, gym bags, inside catcher’s mitts, monogrammed on wristbands, and used as the catchphrase on profiles. Interestingly, it is not a verse particular to only Christian athletes but branches out to those who just need a phrase that will inspire encouragement, perseverance, and fortitude. 

And yet, the power of this verse lies not in the first part of the verse “I can do all things…” but instead in the next phrase “through Christ”—the ONE who GIVES power. It is not about what we can do. Rather, it is what Christ can choose to do in us BY His power. 

To experience that power, we must first have a relationship with Christ Himself. If we miss that component, we miss everything. “Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, and He was buried and rose again on the third day.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) 

If you desire to draw upon the strength that only Christ can give for all that He will ask of you, you must first start by giving your life to Him. To talk to someone about starting a relationship with Christ, reach out to us at rpc.fm/rpcconnect 

If you are a Christ-follower and have given your life to Him already, I challenge you to use this verse in Philippians, not as a means of getting your own desired result but instead opening your hands fully to what Christ wants to do in and through you by His power alone. 

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Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose three days later, defeating death, and establishing His role as our Savior.  Thank You for the strength that Christ provides in my daily life, as a Christ-follower, enabling me to do all things You have called me to do. Amen.