Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength.”

When we believers walk through difficult situations, we are not alone. Christ lives within us. While we may feel powerless in our grief and pain, we can experience victory beyond human understanding because our strength comes from Someone stronger than we are. Achieving a life of faith comes through our connection with Christ.

Recently I remembered an experience I had in my young adulthood that illustrated the strength we receive from God when we feel weak. During my teen years, I lived in a lake community in northern New Jersey and sometimes in the coldest months of winter the lake would freeze over enough so we could ice skate.

I didn’t have formal ice-skating training, but liked trying to skim across the frozen surface. One day I was jerking my body back and forth with my arms splayed out to my sides trying to keep my balance when I sensed someone approaching behind me. Before I knew it my strong, 6-foot-4-inch father had grabbed my left hand in one of his while wrapping the other arm around my waist – and we were off!

As I sat, remembering this experience, I could still feel the thrill of flying across the lake propelled by someone else’s power and expertise. Instead of stumbling around trying to stay upright, I was flying, without fear of falling because I was completely enveloped in the arms of a strong, expert skater I could fully trust.

The Apostle Paul in writing to the Philippians encouraged them not to be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, [to] present their requests to God. A few verses later he explained, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation ... I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength.”

No matter what Paul faced, a feast or a famine, living in plenty or want, he experienced victory because of his connection with Christ. Christ’s strength became his strength and Paul could rejoice despite his circumstances.

We will all face difficult and sometimes excruciating trials in life. But when we are floundering and wondering how to stay upright, our connection with Christ will be our sustaining power. Don’t be anxious but call out to Him in prayer. Present your requests before Him and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

We, like Paul, can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us. So, relax into His strong arms and let Him provide the power and expertise you need to take a wild and exhilarating ride across the ice. It is only in this connection that one achieves a victorious life of faith.