“I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13

This scripture is not an opportunity to become boastful or prideful. It is an opportunity to remain faithful and content during a tough time.
Paul was in such a difficult situation. He was in prison and grateful to the Philippians for helping him during his time of need. This was willingly done by them, and they were supporting his need, not feeding a greed.
Many people find God during a tough, challenging or difficult situation. While there is nothing wrong with seeking God during that time, most don’t stay there without a foundation of truth. Once the situation is resolved, they forget where they came from and who God is — until they get into another jam.
Then, there are those who find and choose to remain in God, but are met with phony faith and taught to believe that God resides in pretentious requirements.
Having faith remains in God and has to be completed with repentance and with the renewing of your mind. When we put our faith in flamboyant practices reserved for the “coming up” of ourselves, we redefine faith from a position of trusting in a righteous, holy and sovereign God, regardless of our situations or circumstances, to a practice of trying to control or manipulate God into giving us what we want. Then you will only believe God when you receive a sign or action on your behalf.
That understanding of faith becomes void of the understanding and meaning of faith and only serving God like a job whereby we can get what we want rather than aid, serve, believe and trust in God even during times of hardships, pains and suffering.
So I ask, “How is your faith and how is it protected?”

Fields is the pastor of Kingdom Life Ministries International and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.