I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13, NKJV
Engaging in “I am able” self-talk is the stuff of comedy routines. Back in 1991, comedian Al Franken first played Stuart Smalley on a Saturday Night Live skit. His catch phrase was, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.”
Self-esteem is a tricky notion for Christians. The Bible teaches not only that we are made in the image of God but also that all our righteous deeds are like filthy rags. Well-intentioned Christians often use this verse as a pep talk before their game, audition, test, or interview.
But Paul is not talking about self-fulfillment. He is talking about surviving the persecution we face when we are sold out to Jesus. Even if you lose the game, blow the audition, flunk the test, or bomb the interview, whenever you suffer for Christ, His strength will be yours.