For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
HAPPY DESPITE MY PRESSURES
When the marathon runner Kathrine Switzer entered the 1967 Boston Marathon, women were not allowed to compete. Mid-race, an official tried to physically pull her off the course. But Kathrine kept running and finished. Years later, she said, “When you know who you are and why you are running, you find strength you did not know you had.”
That is what Paul discovered in Christ. His strength was not from sheer willpower but from knowing who he belonged to. “I can do everything” did not mean he could fly or win every race; it meant he could endure every circumstance through Christ’s power.
Under pressure, our instinct is to fight harder or shut down. Paul’s response was different: depend deeper. He faced hunger, exhaustion, and danger, but he kept going because he knew where strength came from. You can too. God does not promise to remove every pressure, but He promises to provide power to withstand it. When you feel like quitting, lean into the One who never fails.
Reflection Questions:
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What pressure is pushing you to your limits right now?
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How can you shift your focus from your strength to Christ’s strength today?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for being my source of strength. Help me depend on Your power when life’s pressures feel too heavy to carry alone. Amen.
Dr. Larry Grays is passionate about helping churches grow and reaching people in fresh, creative ways. He launched a church in a Midtown Atlanta movie theater and later served as an Urban Church Planting Strategist with the North American Mission Board. Today, he speaks, writes, and coaches pastors and leaders. Larry has degrees from UCF, Southeastern Seminary, and Southern Seminary—but more importantly, he loves Jesus, good coffee, and seeing the next generation step into their calling. He and his wife Lori love raising their incredible kids and love doing life and ministry together.
