Lesson 12: God's Power Gives Us Strength

Philippians 4:10-13 - "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

I do not think Paul could have made it any more clear than that as to where we get our strength. It only comes from God. What we have to keep in mind is that when Paul said this, he was not on vacation and he did not just inherit a million dollars. No! He was in a deep, dark, stinky, rat-filled dungeon, yet he was content in that situation. God gave Him the strength for it! That was the secret he learned! Lest you think this was just some isolated case with Paul, let's take a look at some of the other things he had to endure:

* He worked harder than anyone.
* He'd been in prison more than anyone.
* He'd been flogged more severely than anyone.
* He was exposed to death again and again.
* Five times he was beaten with 39 lashes.
* Three times he was beaten with rods.
* Once he was stoned.
* Three times he was shipwrecked.
* He spent a night and a day in the open sea.
* He was in constant danger from rivers, bandits, his own countrymen and Gentiles, and false brothers.
* He labored and toiled often without sleep.
* He often went without food or water and clothing.
* He daily felt the pressure and concern for all the Churches.

I believe Paul was not just having a bad day, he was having a bad life! Could you imagine going through all that and still being content? How in the world could he survive all that?


Oh, but Paul was not the only one. There are examples all through scripture. Look at Gideon: he and three hundred other men took on and defeated thousands of their enemies. Later, Gideon single-handedly defeated a whole town! Or how about Samson? He rips the massive gates off of a city and carries them up to the hills. Then all by himself, he killed thousands of angry people coming at him – with the jawbone of a donkey!

I have had some bad days, but nothing like that! The point is that somehow these people not only survived, but they came out on top! Could it be they realized that it's God and God alone Who gives us strength? I kind of think so.

* Memorize 2 Corinthians 12:9 - “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”