Philippians 4:13 (the last sentence above) is a pretty well-known verse. I hear it used most often as a kind of chant of encouragement when someone is facing a challenge from small to large. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes used as a replacement for personal effort—kind of a “Bail me out, God,” type of statement. Now, I’m not saying God doesn’t strengthen us when we need it! Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers about an issue he pleaded for God to remove, and God replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” A song lyric proclaims, “His strength is perfect when our strength is gone; He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on.” I believe that. There are those challenges we will face that seem insurmountable from a human standpoint, and in those situations, God gives us the strength to persevere. We might not ever overcome, as Paul never overcame whatever his “thorn in the flesh” was, but when we stand firm on His promises even in the face of severe trials, we give evidence of His strength in our lives. Someday the challenge will be part of our personal testimony of God’s amazing grace. Remember the final verse from yesterday’s hymn: “What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms?” Find your peace in Him.