When Paul wrote, "I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength," (Philippians 4:13), he did not mean that he was to do all things and then rely on the Lord to find strength. He meant that for all he was told to do he could rely on the Lord for supplying the strength. God's work in the world has been hindered by self-strengthened work. Self-driven work finally wears us thin, and we burn out. Self drives out the Spirit, and the strength that is offered. The Holy Spirit should not only be our direction, but our strength. We are to yield to Him, and wait for the strength He supplies.
We are to be still and know He is God (Psalm 46:10). We are to rest in Him until we understand spiritually what His power means. That is when we are strengthened. What does it mean to rest in Him? To be still and know that He is God? Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up as eagles (Isaiah 40:31). The Lord shall be the wind beneath their wings. That wind is constant, never wavering or faltering. It is as sure as He is the Cornerstone–our foundation. The Holy Spirit supports all that He has brought forth in our lives, and in every way supplies strength for His calling, for our need, for every moment, every concern. The strength He imparts is our heartbeat, and we cannot exist without it.
What does this mean for me? For you? When you are tired or fear suddenly closes around your heart, rest in the Lord until you are joyful again. Until His strength has become your own. Work only with Him, and let the time of rest be one where His strength is renewed. Never seek to work for Him with your own strength. You will never discover that constant wind that carries you in the height of the Spirit. Live with Him, and for Him, and He will open doors of His own desire. It is at the moment you realize that without Him you can do nothing that you have surrendered yourself to His power.
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