Many of us know this verse & remember it well when we come to a task that seems too big for us to handle!  'I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me,' we remind ourselves, mentally and spiritually preparing for the task.  But wait just a moment-- read that phrase again:

This statement is not meant to be only for the hard times!  Even look at Paul's reflection right before this assertion, along with the hard times (surviving with humble means, in hunger, & suffering need), he mentions living in prosperity, being filled, & having abundance (Philip. 4:13)!  Yet when we are in these times, we do not think about doing 'these things' through Christ who strengthens us.  We are very satisfied to do it all in our own abilities & strengths, not purposefully but in practice--ignoring the role of Christ's strength that is to be with us as we do this! 

Now you might say, "I don't need to do that, I can do this on my own, why should I do it through His strength?"  And indeed, the end result of your work would likely be a strong product or result!  You have the ability 'on your own' to do it well!  But, imagine the difference it would make in your life if everything you did was done through the strength of Christ?  The end result may come out appearing the same, but what else would happen? 

This is just scratching the surface!  What wonders in our relationship with God will come about through such a change in life focus?  My prayer is that each of you will dive in to find this very thing out!