by Pastor Douglas Brauner

Finding Strength in Christ

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13 English Standard Version

Dogs can be determined even when the odds are against them. Earlier on my walk down the beach, this dog was carrying a stick, a stick that he proudly possess in his Chocolate Lab sized mouth.  However, it wasn’t good enough for him. He needed a greater challenge.

Over the sound of the crashing waves, I heard barking, intense barking. This same dog that had triumphantly carried his dog sized stick was now trying to conquer this log. He barked. He dug. He barked. He bit. He barked. He would not listen to his owner. He was determined to subdue that log.

If he were one of God’s baptized, he might have been reciting Paul’s words as a mantra,  “I can do all things through him who strengthens me. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Do you attack life like this dog? Do you find yourself taking on impossible things with the faith that God will give you strength to win the day?

We often forget the context of Paul’s words. His words are not meant to make us think that we are Superman who can leap over tall buildings, or Batman who can defeat the Joker, or Sampson who can bring down the house. Paul writes about being able to thrive both in difficult times and in times of plenty (Philippians 4:11,12). He writes about facing the normal circumstances of life.

What has life thrown your way? What is your greatest hurdle at this time? It is in the ordinary struggles of life that we see the truth of Paul’s words. It is in the moments of life and death that we find Christ’s strength working through us. Yes, these daily battles might feel like a log to be conquered, but they are challenges in which we find strength in Christ.

You can face today’s challenges through Christ who strengthens you.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado