Christ Strengthens Me

January 9

Life is a breeze for some people—at least that’s how it appears to those who are on the outside looking in. Perception may, in fact, be far from reality. Without actually walking in a person’s skin, nobody can know that things are as carefree and bright as they seem.

Conversely, a life that appears to be deluged with despair can evidence buoyancy that is beyond human ability to understand. A missionary, for example, whose family was decimated during religious blood-letting in Africa and whose young son died when run down by a speeding vehicle, who subsists below the poverty level, walks a path of unshakable joy.

What makes the difference? Are people simply well-indoctrinated in the art of camouflaging their true feelings? Have they set about to put forth a façade of prosperity and contentment in the midst of trials they may face? Hardly. Though there may be an element of ‘putting on a happy face’, reality usually catches up with us. We can maintain our award-winning performance only so long.

The Bible supplies a better answer to the question of how we are to successfully get through the quagmire of problems and maze of challenges that confront us. In Philippians 4:12, 13 we are told, “Whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or lack…I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We are more than conquerors; we are overcomers because of Jesus’ help.