Philippians 4:13, New Living Translation

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

For quite some time in my career, especially after I was called into ministry, I was involved in planning, coordinating, and hosting events. When running an event, there are many things that must be taken care of behind the scenes. If you have ever planned a party or hosted a dinner for friends in your home, you may have had thoughts like this: Please give me more time. I am not ready. I am not prepared yet.

In the same way, those same thoughts can apply to many areas of life, such as:

How can I be a Christian when my life is still so messy? How can I tell people I believe in Jesus when I still fail to do what He commands? It feels too risky to pray for His will to be done—I am not ready for what He may call me to. I don’t think I am qualified to say yes to what He has placed in my heart. I don’t think I can do what He asks. I am too afraid to step out of my comfort zone. What He requires feels like too much.

I wonder if you have had thoughts like these at times. But here is the truth I want to encourage you with: God is always working behind the scenes! What does that mean? Jesus tells us, “…My Father is always working, and so am I.” (John 5:17, NLT)

The Lord our God is not like the third servant described in Jesus’ parable in Matthew 25:24 (NIV): “Master, I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.” Jesus never asks His servants to do what He has not already demonstrated. That is why He simply says, “Follow Me.”

How could He be King and the Son of God sent from heaven, yet be born in a manger—a place meant for animals? How could He teach the Word of God when He came from Nazareth and worked as a carpenter? How could He offer eternal life to those who believe in Him when He did not save Himself from the cross? How could He heal others when His own body was wounded?

Thank You, Jesus—He has already given us the answer: He can! And He is the same God who is working behind the scenes for you.

“I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]” (Philippians 4:13, Amplified Bible)

My friends, let’s begin this new year—and each new day—with this truth and this trust.