I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil 4:13)

My good friend Don Johnson (I hope that’s not presuming) suggested I write a daily devotional. My first reaction was “No, not me … Too much, people won’t always like what I say … Does Don know how much work that is?” Those were all honest reactions, but still…

I suppose the truth is, I’m afraid. I’m afraid I’ll quickly run out of things to say that draw people closer to Christ. I’m afraid I’ll put my foot in it, and upset someone. I’m afraid – horror of horrors – that I’ll get the theology wrong, and bring the wrath of the unforgiving down on my head.

But what about the promise? I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. OK, it’s obviously not an unconditional promise. I can do all things in God’s will. I can’t jump over tall buildings in a single bound! But if I take on a challenge that comes out of His will, He will give me whatever I need to meet it. So here goes.

I can’t promise a devotion every day. I’m blessed to be working a full week, and don’t want to be slapdash in what I write. But I’ll do my best to be faithful, not missing because I just don’t feel like it.

Usually, when I write things there are three main provocations. Something the Spirit prompts me with in my quiet time. Something Myra and I talk about during our devotions. Something happens in the world. There are a lot of things I don’t usually share, because I think they might be quirky or controversial. I’ve got a feeling that this undertaking might force me to share more. So welcome to some of the odd corners of my spiritual life. Join me in trying to understand more about our inexplicable God. Join me as I try to wrestle with some of the demons from past and present.

I don’t think we get a pass when someone asks us to do something that might help another believer. The verse doesn’t say, “I can do all things that I choose for myself”. We are created for good works … and Christ strengthens us for them.