By Katy Mariotti

I Can Do All Things

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

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:11-13 English Standard Version

I don’t know about you, but I sometimes wish I were somewhere else. I love my house and my state and my family, and most of the time I have no desire to leave. But recently I was having a really hard day, and my best friend (who didn’t know this) sent me a video message from the beach and told me the ocean was saying hello to me. I started crying… it felt like the ocean WAS saying hello to me, and I wanted to be there so badly. So much so that later on, when my kids and I were drawing with sidewalk chalk on the driveway, it was still on my mind and I drew the beach.

Things aren’t always going to be perfect. I think when we’re imagining being someplace else, we see that place as idyllic. All my problems would disappear if I were at the beach, right? But our life on earth will always be flawed, no matter where we are. I pray that you and I can find the wisdom of Paul in his letter to the Philippians. Instead of saying that things will always be great, he says that he “knows how to be brought low.” The secret to it is simple- Jesus. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” You CAN make it through the hard times. There will be good times too; after all, Paul doesn’t just say, “I know how to be brought low… face hunger and need…” He also says he knows how to abound, and face plenty. God promises good to us, and He gives us strength. Amen!

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado