Power in Reserve

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) I like my truck—it’s a blue 2007 4x4 Chevrolet Avalanche. There’s a bit of rust, a few years and a few miles on it, but it runs good and gets me around. When I’m cruising at normal speed on a flat highway, the 5.3-liter motor runs easily on four cylinders (using less gas). That’s great as long as I’m not hauling a heavy load, trying to climb a steep hill, pulling a big old flat-deck trailer, trying to pass a semi-trailer—or all of the above (at the same time!). At times like that, four cylinders just aren’t enough. I need more power! It’s then that all eight pistons cut in and you hear the mufflers ramp up to a “Harley-level” roar! My right foot sinks perilously close to the floorboard as it spurs my old Chevy into the next dimension (or at least past the semi)! The verse above talks about those times when you need added strength to face bigger obstacles, harder situations, and more intense opposition than what your normal day brings. When your bank account is $6 overdrawn with no cheque on the radar . . . when “till death do us part” just walked out the door with a suitcase . . . when your doctor is making a living as the constant bearer of bad news . . . and when there’s no sign that things will change anytime soon, you need strength to draw on that you just don’t have in yourself. When the road gets rough, I need my truck to go from four to eight cylinders and deliver that extra power I need right now. When my spiritual journey involves more mud, gravel and hills than level pavement, I need that added strength I’m promised in Philippians 4:13. If the battlefield you’re facing right now requires more spiritual stamina than usual, just know that it’s there for you! As a Christ follower, you’re promised and assured of His power in all situations. – Kene Jackson   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org