The Apostle Paul once wrote, “I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little. I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances, I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty, and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

When I was in Seminary, I served a small church as a student pastor. Part of my responsibility was leading the youth group. The students loved this passage, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

This was their verse, and it was meaningful for them. But sometimes they misused it. They would say things like, “We can win that volleyball game, or I will pass that test because Christ will strengthen me!”

What Paul was saying is actually more along the lines of this: Whatever you happen to be dealing with right now, even if you feel like you are hanging on by the last thread of hope, Christ is with you. Whether you win or lose that volleyball game, whether you pass or fail that test, whether you are the most popular kid in school or feel like the biggest loser, whether or not you get that job, or mend that relationship, you have entrusted your life to Christ, and he will give you the strength to get through it. 

To affirm the promise, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is to place our lives—wins and losses alike—into Christ’s care, trusting that his presence will be enough, whatever today may hold.

Let us pray: God of Grace, today, even now, we entrust our lives again to you. We turn over to you our worry, our concern, our anxiety, our burdens. Meet us at the deepest point of our need. Fill us with your Spirit, and grant us your courage and strength. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.