“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Those ordinary people like us who study the life and works of Paul will be amazed by how patient he was when comes to handling physical and emotional hardship. His determination to persevere through hard times, and at times through life-threatening situations was due to his unwavering dedication to do God’s work. Some of Paul’s team members who could not withstand the severity of the hardship eventually left him but Paul fought on; although he felt disheartened but he did not surrender and called it quits!
We know about three groups of people; the first are trouble-makers, the second are those who run away from problems and the third are fighters who confront troubles head-on. The third is a rare breed but those with such an attribute will be very successful in life. What makes Paul so special and different from other people? Is he really boasting when he said he “could do all things”? In fact when he was making such a remark, he was really in deep trouble. Paul said, “I can do all things through (Jesus) who strengthens me.”
God’s grace and mercy are sufficient for each and everyone who trusts Him. He will not lead us into a situation which is too tough for us to handle nor is he leaving us to fight a battle all by ourselves. He leads us into difficult situations so that we can come to appreciate His mightiness; it is when we become powerless we realize God’s limitless power and wisdom. Let us therefore remind ourselves that we serve a God who is omnipresent and omnipotent; nothing is impossible for Him.