Strength to do His Will
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. -Philippians 4:13
I’ve written specifically on this verse before, but it’s so far-reaching, that I keep coming back to it. Here’s part two:
“All things” more specifically refers to all of the things that God’s Will requires. Paul was saying that there is nothing that is too hard or out of reach when it comes to following God’s will.
“All things” does not include sin: we would not say that Christ gives us the strength to sin in all things. On the contrary, we get the strength to oppose and resist our sinful inclinations.
“All things” does not include our own selfish ways and plans that are not part of God’s will. This is the biggest obstacle for not realizing God’s power. It is absolutely imperative that we know God’s will, and seek His strength to walk only in this path. Jesus makes it clear that those who do merely good things—but not things that are according to God’s will—are sinning.
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” -Matthew 7:22-23
A “can-do” attitude
Notice again that Paul writes that he “can do all things…” Note that he did not say: “God will do all things on my behalf.” Rather, we are God’s servants, and we are the ones that are to do His will. While it’s true that there are some things that only God can do—such as bring about the ultimate salvation of a soul—the foot work to perform His will is up to us.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? -Romans 10:13-14
Notice again that Paul he did not write: “I can do all things through prayer: all I have to do is pray and everything will happen according to God’s will.” Not only does God expect us to do His work and perform His will, but He looks to us to perform it actively. Not through prayer only, (though prayer is a very important element), but through our actions. And how does God enable us to do His will? Strength.
He gives us strength for a reason
There’s a clear reason why we’re given strength: because we’ll need it! We are expected to put God’s grace to use and to walk in His will and do the works that He has for us.
Let’s say as a metaphor, God’s will is for us to pound a nail into a board. It is by the grace of God that He gives you a hammer. God’s grace is a divine means working in an earthly vessel to accomplish His will. We certainly weren’t going to pound that nail into the board with our bare hand. God has equipped us with His grace. But that hammer isn’t of any effect until it’s used to do work. Once we pick up what God has given us, and drive that nail into the board, it becomes strength.
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Strength is utilizing the grace that God has already given to us.
Strength is God’s grace in action to perform His will; it’s very closely related to what we might call courage.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. -2 Corinthians 12:9
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