You Can Do All Things Through Christ!
Monday, September 13th 2010 @ 10:29 AM
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 KJV
For many years I held a very poor image of myself.
As a child and through my teen years, I let others tell me what I could and couldn’t do. I also let others tell me who I was and who I wasn’t.
I willingly gave permission to those who didn’t have my best interests at hand to drag me down.
“You’re stupid. You’re no good. You’ll never be anything in life. You’re fat. You’re ugly. You're a loser. You’re queer – a faggot – a sissy.”
The more you allow others to tell you who you are, who you aren't or what you can or can't do, you allow the enemy to enter in and you can be deceived into believing lies. Satan is the father of lies! (John 8:44)
Sadly, many people thrive on negativity. I'm sure you can name a few of those in your life. It took me many years to realize that those we would call “bullies” in life, bully people for one reason: they try to make you feel lower about yourself in order to make themselves feel better because THEY are the ones who have serious issues and problems.
When I came to Christ in January of 1992, I was a broken, hurting man. I had been beaten up so bad and so much by negative people and negative thinking for many years.
When Jesus came into my life and the Holy Spirit indwelt me, the first thing that had to be done with me was to “empty the trash can.” Lord knows, mine was filled and overflowing from years of mental, physical, emotional and sexual abuse. A lot of the abuse was caused by others, but I needed to "man up" and own up to the fact that some of that abuse was also caused by me.
I needed to dump the garbage – and throw away the dirty stinking can as well! I would no longer allow others to “dump” on me or treat me with anything less than I deserved – respect. I also would no longer allow myself through negative thoughts, words or actions to dump on myself.
I then began to fill my heart with scripture and the promises of God, knowing through the daily strength of Jesus Christ, I could do anything I set my mind to!
What was impossible with me -- or man -- was surely possible with God! Jesus set me free from drug addiction, alcoholism, an eating disorder – and a sinful homosexual life. He did it all!
YES! – I could live a happy, fulfilled life without the need of mind altering substances. YES! – I could live a happy life without obsessing over my weight. YES! – I could be very happy living life as the heterosexual man God created me to be – even being blessed with a loving, caring wife and two beautiful children -- now going on almost 20 years!
With God, ALL things are possible! (Matthew 19:26)
I was worthy because I was a child of the King! I now had worth -- God worth!
New life in Jesus Christ is all about YES and AMEN!
Today, I know I am a child of the living God – a joint heir – a son who has been adopted and given “all things.” I know today that I have a Heavenly Father Who watches over me, Who has nothing but good for me and His best interests for me, Who leads me in the paths of His righteousness and prospers me!
I know no matter what comes my way that ALL things will work together for my good, because I am one of “the called” according to His purpose! (Romans 8:28.)
More importantly, as a child of the King, I know that ALL things have become new in my life – that the old has passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17) and I walk daily in the newness of life and in Jesus Christ!
And the most incredible news of all is, what God has done for me – He will also do for you if you are one of His own! God is NOT a respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34)
Rejoice, knowing that through Jesus Christ, you can do ALL things through Christ as He strengthens you! (Philippians 4:13)
If you haven’t already, DUMP that stinking garbage can containing all those negative thoughts and things that aren't of Christ, and throw it out the door! Fill your heart, mind, soul and life with the Words of life by daily basking in God’s Word and let it wash over you!
Surround yourself with godly brothers and sisters in the Lord who will build you up in Christ -- not tear you down.
This isn't some "positive thinking" baloney -- this is encouragement and edification from God's Word -- His truth!
Are you struggling with sin? An addiction -- maybe drugs, alcohol, pornography, sex, smoking? Weight? Over-eating? Depression, negative thoughts -- anything that isn't of God?
Let it go! Say NO to all of it -- and YES to the life changing Word of God!
Today, know that YES! You can accomplish and do ANYTHING you set your mind to – with Jesus in your heart and on your side! ~ Stephen Bennett
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