Devotional: Strength to Finish

Philippines 4:4-13

The inscription on the “T” shirt reads: “Don’t Wish for It, Work for It.” This shirt is worn by a young woman that diligently exercises her body to maintain physical condition and good health. The idea of the inscription is that wishing accomplishes nothing. Wishing is a mental activity that requires no action. We get desired results when we work for what we wish to accomplish.

The apostle Paul is in a Roman jail when he writes a thank-you letter to the church at Philippi. In this letter he expresses the joy one can experience when they work on the Lord’s behalf. This work includes their rejoicing in the Lord (v. 4), maintaining a gentle spirit (v. 5), prayer (v. 6), and thinking on honorable things (v. 8).

In his ministry Paul experiences both times of humble means and prosperity as well as times of hunger and times of plenty to eat (v. 12). In every situation Paul is content. He says, “I can do all things through Him (Christ) who strengthens me” (v. 13, NASB). God gives us strength to do the things that He calls us to do. If we only wish for results we accomplish nothing. If we work Jesus gives us the strength to accomplish all things.

Prayer; Father, we thank you for the work that you have assigned us to do. We pray for strength that You give to us. Amen.