His strength, not mine

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. — Philippians 4:13 NKJV

Long ago, I had the idea to write a short story as a birthday present for my youngest sister. Little did I know the process would take years and that the short story would grow into a novel. Early on, the Holy Spirit taught me to pray for Him to write through me before I wrote or brainstormed. Yet as years passed and the novel inched toward completion with no end in sight, I grew tired of the process. I grew so tired that I was frequently ready to delete the novel, the brainstorming notes, and everything related to it. But the Holy Spirit reminded me that the world needed the story inside me. He strengthened and encouraged me to keep working. I spent a good deal of time in prayer, asking God for His help and inspiration. Now, two decades after beginning my book, it’s finished and scheduled for release soon. 

Finding Strength and Contentment Through Christ: Lessons from Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (NKJV). In the verses that follow, Paul encouraged his readers to rejoice always, be respectful, give their anxieties to God, and meditate on things that align with the Word of God. He then speaks of the monetary gifts the Philippian church had given him. Through all the persecutions, travels, and crazy adventures, he “learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (v. 11). For the cause of Christ, he had endured much. In verse 13, he made a clear declaration of where his strength and ability came from. Jesus was the provision of his strength.  Paul didn’t say that Jesus made his life easy and carefree. Even a superficial study of Paul’s life reveals trials that most people today would have run from. But he was on a mission from Jesus, and he wouldn’t stop until he’d fulfilled that mission.

I’ve learned that I fail when I rely on my own strength rather than God’s. I ask for grace, and when He gives it, I often don’t use it to face the trials I’m facing. I run from them. That is receiving God’s grace in vain. The mission He’s given us will have rough times. It’s going to be difficult. But that’s what makes it so awesome. The sweat, tears, and frustrations make us dependent on God’s strength. 

Relying on God's Strength: The Key to Overcoming Our Weakness

In Scripture, God never commands us to do anything in our own strength. Instead, He continually tells us that He is our strength. His strength is greater than our weakness, but we must rely on it. I’ve worked myself to exhaustion in some areas of my life because I’ve depended on my strength. There are also areas where I’ve relied on God’s strength. While it was still hard, such as writing my first book, those situations always led me to worship and glorify God for His goodness. He knows that the best things in life require trusting Him and doing what He’s called us to do in His strength.

I don’t know about you, but more than ever, I want to stop striving in my strength and depend on His. When we do that, we enter His rest, and that’s a place no person or circumstance can destroy.

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Prayer—Daddy God, thank You for making Your strength available to us. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your all-sufficient grace. Holy Spirit, please help us not to receive grace in vain and to do all things through You, who strengthen us. We love You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your turn—Reflect on a time when you relied on God’s strength during a difficult situation. What was the outcome? Have you experienced a moment where that strength made a significant difference? How did it impact your perspective?

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Terrance's New Book Coming Soon: The Tales of Aras: Becoming Fire & Lightning

In his upcoming novel, Tales of Aras: Becoming Fire & Lightning, Terrance Niedziela Jr. invites readers into a powerful story of faith, courage, and transformation. Set in a richly imagined world filled with danger, mystery, and unexpected purpose, this clean speculative fiction adventure follows characters who must face trials that test not only their strength, but their trust in God.

Through vivid storytelling and unforgettable characters, Tales of Aras: Becoming Fire & Lightning reminds us that God often prepares His people in seasons of hardship, shaping them through fire so they can carry His light into dark places. Much like the message shared in this devotion, the story explores how faith grows stronger when we trust God’s plan, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

This exciting first installment in the Tales of Aras series will be released soon. Readers who enjoy adventurous storytelling, meaningful spiritual themes, and immersive worlds will find both inspiration and entertainment as they journey into the world of Aras.

Stay tuned for the release of Tales of Aras: Becoming Fire & Lightning, where faith is tested, purpose is revealed, and ordinary people discover they are capable of extraordinary things through God’s power.