Strength in Every Season (Daily Refresh, 2-12-26)

Philippians 4:13 is a popular Bible verse that you may have seen posted on coffee mugs, social media, or even cars. Maybe you’ve heard someone recite this verse before a sporting event or while trying to accomplish a difficult task.

Unfortunately, this verse is often misunderstood. This verse is not saying that we can accomplish whatever we want. Paul isn’t talking about winning a football game or having the courage to do something daring.

Instead, Paul is actually talking about his time in prison. He is referencing the power of God that was with him during this difficult time of ministry.

In Philippians 4:12 he talks about the power he has to live content in every situation in life. He learned how to live with abundance and with nothing. He learned to live with very little food and resources, and also with abundant food and resources.

Paul found that regardless of his circumstances, God continued to supply him with the power to do the work of God. He never lacked the strength and resources to tell others about the good news of Jesus—even while he was stuck in a prison.

Paul could live in every season of life and accomplish all that God asked of him through the strength that God gave him.

So, instead of God giving us strength to do anything we want, He gives us the strength we need to endure various circumstances and accomplish the mission that He’s given us. This means that you will never lack any resource to live a growing and godly life, or to share the good news of Jesus with others.

If you’re in a season of abundance or a season of lack, remember that God is the one who gives you the strength to endure every season. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, ask God to supply you with the strength that only He can give.

My Thoughts

I needed this devotional today to remind me that God is not finished with me yet and I have not completed His purpose for me here on earth. My health problems are not diminishing, but neither is my faith in God. In my meeting yesterday with my orthopedist, I was told that I do have a torn rotator cuff and he wants me to endure the pain for as long as possible without surgery. (The surgery is a real bear!) The next step is to have a bone scan which I need to schedule. I confess that the news didn’t surprise me since my shoulder has been in pain since early December, but I also confess that it upset me. I keep feeling as though I am taking two steps forward and three steps back. But God reminds me repeatedly that He is moving forward, with me. I am here to complete my purpose, so in spite of the circumstances, I can still be a witness for Him to the caretakers I keep meeting at hospitals and doctors’ offices. I am trying to be a little beacon of light and spread hope and cheerfulness to others. I may not feel like doing that, but God gives me strength and the words to say as well as nudging me towards the people I need to encourage. Thus, I am resolved not to have a Pity Party and sit in ashes as Job did but rather to keep moving and keep doing. Jesus didn’t stop ministering to people, even as He was dying. He encouraged the thief on the cross next to Him, He told John to take care of His mother, and He implored His Father to “forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Since I want to be like Jesus, I am strengthened by His example and soldiering on to the next medical test, the next diagnosis and my next opportunity to tell someone about God’s love, mercy, peace and grace.