Strength for the Journey
Daily Rays of Hope #153
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
There is a quiet lie that often creeps into our hearts: the idea that we have to do everything alone. That we must be strong by our own effort. That asking for help is weakness. That depending on others, or even God, somehow makes us less capable. This is one of the enemy’s most subtle tricks, not to get you to deny God completely, but to convince you to try to serve Him without leaning on Him.
Yet the Word of God is clear: “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” The source of our strength is not found in self-reliance, hustle, or grit. It is found in Jesus, who empowers us moment by moment, day by day, through His Spirit working within us.
It’s God Who Strengthens
When Paul wrote Philippians 4:13, he wasn’t talking about achieving massive personal success. He was speaking from a place of surrender and contentment whether he was in lack or in abundance. His strength was not circumstantial. It was divine.
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” – Philippians 4:11 (NKJV)
Paul had learned to lean. He had learned that the strength to endure, to persevere, and to serve faithfully came only from walking closely with the Lord. And this is the truth that frees us: God doesn’t call us to rely on ourselves. He calls us to rely on Him.
You Were Not Made to Walk Alone
The enemy thrives in isolation. He knows that if he can pull you away from support, you’ll begin to believe the pressure all falls on your shoulders. But Scripture warns us plainly:
“Woe to the one who falls and has no one to help him up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NIV)
God designed us to walk together with Him and with one another. He sends strength not only through His Spirit but also through His people. Community isn’t just a comfort. It’s a protection.
That’s why it’s so important to stay connected. To keep your heart soft. To stay open to encouragement, correction, and support. This is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of wisdom. Even Jesus, in His darkest hour, brought Peter, James, and John to pray with Him in Gethsemane. If the Son of God invited others to stand with Him, we surely can do the same.
The Power of Letting Go
One of the most courageous things you can do as a believer is to let go of the need to appear strong all the time. God is not impressed by self-sufficiency. He is moved by surrender.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Letting go is not giving up. It’s handing it over. It’s saying, “God, I know I can’t do this on my own. But I believe you can do it through me.” When you open your heart and invite God to lead, you are aligning yourself with divine strength, not temporary willpower.
You may feel like you’re standing on shaky ground, but when your trust is in God, you’re actually standing on the Rock. He will never leave you to do it alone.
Three Practical Ways to Walk This Out Today
1. Pray Before You Move
Make a simple habit of stopping to pray before taking action, especially when facing something difficult or overwhelming. Invite the Holy Spirit to strengthen you and lead you. Try praying, “Lord, I don’t want to move without You. Guide my steps today and empower me to do what You’ve called me to do.”
2. Connect Instead of Isolating
Don’t fight your battles alone. Text a trusted friend, join a prayer group, or reach out to someone who walks with God. Whether you need encouragement, prayer, or wisdom, God often sends strength through people. You were not designed to be strong in isolation.
3. Release the Pressure Daily
Write down the things that are weighing on you and then pray over them. Release them into God’s hands. Say out loud, “God, I give You this burden. I choose to rely on Your strength, not mine.” Let this act of surrender become part of your daily rhythm.
You don’t have to do it alone.
You were never meant to.
The strength you need is already available and it’s found in the One who lives inside you. Trust Him. Lean on Him. Walk with Him. And you’ll find that you truly can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.