We are one week from the summer Olympics. There will be a display of amazing athletic feats from extraordinary people. The belief required to perform at this level is incredible. At our Kids Holiday program, we were inspired by how Kerri Shrug ran and vaulted on an injured ankle for her team to win gold. We may not compete in elite sports, but what mindset helps us overcome our challenges?

The Apostle Paul describes his mindset through these words:

“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (World English Bible).

His life was full of challenge. Yet when he had little, was hungry, alone among enemies, or in jail, Paul believed he could make it through anything. The key to his strength was Christ Jesus. He was content his life was under the care and control of his Lord. He knew his circumstance was an opportunity to see God at work. He had faith God believed he could handle the challenge. God, by his Spirit, was strengthening, encouraging, directing him, to find a way through. Paul faced confronting “You can’t” challenges with his firm conviction, “Through Christ, I can.”

The key to our strength is depending on Christ. It can be enough to know God believes in us, but God gives us more than that. He gives us grace and strength in spirit, mind, body so we can handle what we are carrying. Through Christ, we say, “I can”.

In Him,

Jason  (Photo by Dulcey Lima on Unsplash)