SATURDAY, APRIL 27
Scripture: Philippians 4:11-13

Philippians 4:11-13 is the ultimate expression of faith in God’s covenantal care for us. It says, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I (ischuo) can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Paul learned to rely on the Spirit for victory. Impossible circumstances bow to God’s eternal purpose when pastored by the Holy Spirit who wields dunamis. It was as if Paul was saying, ‘When I was in jail in Philippi, He brought an earthquake to deliver me. My chains fell off when the Jews tried to kill me. God exposed the plot and saved me. When the storm destroyed our ship and I spent a night and a day in the perils of the sea, angels saved me! I have learned to rely on the power of the Spirit Who dwells within.’ This power results in ischuo but it is first infused by the Spirit like an IV antibiotic drip releasing God’s overcoming wisdom. Truly ischuo is God’s empowering grace to carry us through the impossible!