May 31, 2004

THE ENABLING CHRIST

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13, NKJV).

In a single soul-inspiring sentence, the apostle Paul offers his formula for attaining the unattainable. However, he is careful to give all the credit to the enabling Christ. Paul lays claim to invincible power so long as Christ keeps putting it in him.

All that the Christian needs to do can be done through the enabling power of Christ. The power of the enabling Christ is limitless. He reminded the disciples that, "with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). He also assured them that "all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18). Christ makes that unlimited power available to all who seek it. That's why Paul could make the bold claim, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13, NKJV). This is no humanistic self-sufficiency. The focus is on Christ, the enabler.

In Jesus Christ there is strength to fulfill every duty, power to overcome every temptation, capacity to endure every hardship, patience to suffer without complaining, and hope to trust God fully for the future. In the enabling Christ there is super abundant grace for daily growth, boundless energy to render devoted service, living faith to achieve the impossible, and enough inner certainty to live happily and courageously.

There is no substitute for Christ's enabling power--not money, not education, not fame, not friends in high places, not will power, not positive thinking, not high office. Only the enabling, empowering Christ can make it possible for us to do all things and triumph over all things. Here is a stunning discovery for those who are enabled by the enabling Christ: "As the will of man cooperates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings."--Christ's Object Lessons, p. 333.

My Prayer Today: Lord, fill me with your enabling power. Amen.