Finding Strength in Faith: Lessons from Philippians 4:13

What would you do if everything you own was suddenly taken away, and all you had was your faith to stand on? Join me, Cliche Rice, in the latest episode of Divine Harmony, Her Voice in Faith, as we explore this poignant question through the lens of Philippians 4:13. I'll share my own story of being homeless at 16 to illustrate the profound strength and resilience that faith can offer, even when faced with life's toughest challenges. Discover how the apostle Paul's teachings encourage us to find contentment in all circumstances by relying on Christ's strength, whether we are in times of prosperity or hardship.

As women juggling the roles of wives, mothers, professionals, and friends, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, in Christ, we are empowered to conquer all challenges. Through my journey and my series "Alone but Not Broken," available on Amazon Kindle, I aim to inspire you to lean on His strength. Together, we'll pray for peace and resilience for anyone feeling the weight of life's burdens. Remember, you are never alone, and with His guidance, anything is possible. Let’s walk this path of faith together and find solace in knowing that every challenge can be met with divine strength.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:08

Welcome to Divine Harmony, Her Voice in Faith. I'm your host, Cliche Rice, and today we're focusing on how, as women of faith, we are empowered in Christ to do incredible things. His strength is our strength. The verse for today is Philippians 4.13, and it says is our strength. The verse for today is Philippians 4.13, and it says I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. As women, we wear many hats we're wives, we're mothers, we're friends, we're workers, we're co-workers and so much more. But no matter the role, Christ is the source of our strength. We don't have to do it alone. Today I encourage you to lean into his strength. You are empowered, equipped and ready to face whatever comes your way. In Christ, you are more than capable.

Speaker 1: 0:51

But I can't help but ask myself what is Paul really saying? What does this verse and the surrounding passages really mean? I firmly believe that when reading the Bible now this is for me I should always read two verses before and two verses after the verse that I'm studying. I've trained myself to do this and it works for me to get a bigger picture of what God is trying to say. So when I read Philippians 4.13, I did just that and I realized that what Paul is truly saying is be content in all circumstances. Paul reflects on how he has learned to be content regardless of his material circumstances. He mentions that he can endure both prosperity and hardship through strength provided by Christ, specifically referring to our well-known verse for today I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. But here's the question Can you endure, stand the test of time, if all your material possessions were taken away and you were left solely relying on God for everything, in both good and bad times? I know many of us would say we could do this, and I pray we never have to find out, but I've been there, homeless on the street at the age of 16, and now I can see it was only God who kept me, providing strength to be content, adapt and thrive in every situation. You can learn more about this part of my life in my five-part series e-book Alone but Not Broken. It's my story of how a little girl who lost everything found her strength in Christ. It's available on Amazon Kindle and I'd love for you to pick up a copy and support the cause.

Speaker 1: 2:37

But most of all, remember you are strong in Christ. With Him by your side, you can accomplish anything. Let His strength, carry you through the day and every challenges, all your challenges, and know that he is your sole resource for being content in any circumstance, whether you're rich or poor, stressed, overwhelmed or juggling, the many hats and roles you carry. Lean on him and he will give you peace. Let's do our closing prayer.

Speaker 1: 3:09

Heavenly Father, I pray for all my listeners, especially those who may be struggling with a particular circumstance right now. Lord God, you know all, Lord, and I ask that you give them a spirit of peace during this time, Pour out a special anointing over them to keep them content, knowing they can accomplish all things through you. You are their refuge, Father God, their strong tower and their safe place to run in time of need. Most of all, Lord, help them to lean and lean and lean on you. Lord God, Learn what you have for them in this season, so they can see how you are developing them to be greater when they come out on the other side. And for the overwhelmed mother out there juggling so many roles, Father God, there's so much for us to do. Let them not grow weary, for you are with them every step of the way, Heavenly Father, Lord God, I come to you today asking that all that was spoken today rest on hearts and ears so that what you have for them, Father God, will reach them.

Speaker 1: 4:12

May your will be done, not mine. I am just the vessel. Speak through me and reach those who need to be reached, for you get the glory, Lord God. I pray this wonderful prayer in the wonderful and majestic and matchless name of our one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen and amen.

Speaker 1: 4:31

All right, guys, I never want to take for granted that everyone listening today knows Jesus. You can always belong before you believe. We're happy to have you here, but I want to extend an invitation for you to personally know Jesus Christ. If you haven't yet experienced his goodness and would like to, I invite you to pray this prayer with me. Lord God, I am a sinner. Forgive me. Today, I repent and ask you to come into my heart and my life, Turn me around and make me a new creation.

Speaker 1: 5:08

If you prayed that prayer, you are now a child of God. I celebrate this step you've taken. Now I encourage you to find a Bible-based church that teaches directly from scripture. Also, feel free to reach out to us at divineharmonyfaithcom. We'd love to hear from you, answer any questions you have. Pray for you and with you, and keep you encouraged. Welcome home, you are now in the kingdom. As always, guys, if you enjoyed today's message, please don't forget to like, share and subscribe so we can continue spreading the good news of God. You can reach us online at divineharmonyfaithcom, where all the many ways to connect with us are listed, including Instagram, Facebook and so much more. Be blessed, Know that I love you and, most importantly, God loves you. Bye-bye.