Christ’s Strength
Buff bodybuilder offers me help today
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I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
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I memorized this verse as a kid.
In my mind, I always pictured standing next to Jesus — except Jesus was buff like a bodybuilder.
😂
I don’t know, I guess that’s what I thought about when I saw the word “strengthens.”
Anyway, I’ve grown up since then and have the maturity to place this verse in context with the others around it. Here Paul was talking about enduring hard times and enjoying good times. He could do both with joy because Christ gave him strength.
More:
The hard times and good times Paul talked about (just a few verses before 13) deal mostly with money and lifestyle.
I’ve noticed it’s easy for me to cry out to God when I hit hard times … but … it’s disappointingly easy for me to forget God when I go through good times.
As much as this verse is good at encouraging me to endure hard times with Christ, I find it’s more powerful at reminding me of who to thank for all the good times that come my way.
God is good and His grace sometimes brings lifestyle abundance.
This isn’t a formula or a health & wealth thing.
It’s simply me acknowledging the ebbs & flows of life and, like Paul, doing all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I hope you’re encouraged today.
Well, actually, I hope you’re inspired today.
😉
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2025 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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