by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Philippians 4:9-13

When God commands you to accomplish a major feat, He isn't asking you to do it alone.

Our society has made an art out of positive thinking. Seminars teach people how to overcome problems and accomplish tasks through self-reinforcement and positive pep talks. Many books have been written that teach readers how to better themselves. The focus seems to always be on self and what you can do to help yourself.

As Christians we know that true help comes not from self but from God. We can point to Scripture that speaks of God's power, and claim His ability to help. Yet when we find ourselves in the midst of a storm, searching for a way out, we can forget God's promise of help.

Have you ever felt God leading you to accomplish a certain task (building a church, moving to another country, witnessing to a coworker, giving more to His church) yet felt fear at how such a feat would be accomplished? The world would tell you to look yourself in the mirror and recite phrases of positive reinforcement. But God provides a divine promise to claim: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

You can't build a church by yourself. You can't move to another country alone. You can't lead a coworker to Christ. You can't give more to God during a recession. You can't accomplish anything by yourself. You need God's strength.

When God commands you to accomplish a major feat, He isn't asking you to do it alone. He knows you can't do it alone. What He desires is for you to realize your inability and beg Him for help. He wants to accomplish the feat through you, not watch you do it alone.

Take time to realize your inability to accomplish anything without Christ. Without Him, you'd be a lost sinner, striving for your own glory. Yet through Christ, you are unconquerable. Satan cannot prevail against you. The next time God gives you a task, immediately give it back to Him and ask Him to accomplish it through you.

Never forget: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 116-118 | 1 Corinthians 7:1-19