Page 157 - First Steps 2023

Devotion

3

Paul thanks some Jesus-followers for helping him with financial
gifts, and then reassures them he’s okay if gifts don’t keep roll-
ing in. He shares he’s able to handle having much or little, being
well-fed or hungry.
The secret, he says, is this:

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength”

(Philippians 4:13, NLT).

For Paul, the power to cope with his situation has everything to do
with the power of Jesus. Paul’s content because, full stomach or empty,
he knows who he is and who he serves. And he knows that, at some point
in his future, he’ll never go hungry again.
He’ll be with his Lord in heaven.

Paul’s calm comes because he believes that promise of what’s to
come.
A question for you: What impact does knowing Jesus have on how
you face your days—whether those days are demanding or easy?
Where does your strength come from?
Talk it over with Jesus and jot your conclusions below.

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