One of the most often quoted bible verses is Philipians 4:13
– “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
It’s true. There is so much power in the mind. But a lot of
widely held ideas on this topic tend to draw a picture (at least to me) of the
mind being this super-human engine pulling the rest of our being in one
direction or the other. "You can get that promotion, you can overcome your
depression, you can work out this relationship, you can smooth out this
character flaw, you can have that car, you can get yourself this beautiful
future etc. etc."
In all honesty, it looks freakishly like the engine is
strained, the load is too heavy, and the cable connecting my mind to my heart
and will is getting strained. And I start feeling like a failure because I
obviously CAN’T.
So how then do I do all things? Because if I believe the
Word, then I must be able to do all things, right? I must be able to finish off
my work for the day, please my boss, negotiate with clients, cooperate with
colleagues, make time for food, for family, not lose my mind juggling this all
and get to bed with a smile on my face, right? How!?
This is how I see it: Change focus.
Instead of saying “I can do all things” so much, start
saying “through Him who strengthens me”. Instead of looking at yourself, where
you are, right now, look at Him, where He is, always. Gloriously bright, seated
on the throne, surrounded by angels and the sound of the highest praise.
Keep looking, because in a while you will notice, that He is
strengthening you. That His love makes you whole, that His joy makes you
strong, and that in His right hand is your help, your sustenance, and your
lifting up. Keep looking, because then, you can do all things.
Change focus. Give your engine something to run on, not just something to run to.
