Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

The story is told of a great violinist who was giving a concert -- when the A string on his violin broke. Without stopping, he adjusted to the situation and finished the piece on three strings. A lesser violinist might have stopped and complained about his bad luck. But it takes a really great artist to do what he did. He was able to work with what was available to him.

So it is with life. None of us has all that we would like to have. We struggle through life with our problems: illness, financial difficulties, an impossible boss, or loneliness.

Saint Paul, that great soldier of the cross, had his problems. He suffered from pain, persecution, perils, and many other adversities as he proclaimed the Good News of God's saving Gospel. Paul did not complain. He looked to the cross for help and hope. He exclaimed, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." That's a great word for our age. In Christ we have a marvelous friend. Our confidence is built on the Lord Jesus Christ, the Rock of Ages. Someone has said, "Christ did not come to make life easy. But, Christ did come to make life strong."

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your saving strength. Your grace is made perfect in my weakness. Amen.

(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996, Concordia Publishing House (out of print). For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)

Today's Bible Readings: 2 Samuel 23-24    John 6:41-71

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