Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Although Paul was a prisoner at Rome when he wrote this epistle, he still had a very positive attitude about his situation.  He believed that, by the providence and power of God, and the prayers of the saints, he would one day be delivered (Philippians 1:19).  Nevertheless, regardless of how things turned out, Paul knew he had the ability to see it through because Jesus was his strength.

This verse has become a favorite one for many Christians because it reminds them that they can overcome any obstacle.  The devil is real, and he is doing everything within his power to destroy our souls.

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)
⁸ Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

There is no doubt that the devil is a worthy adversary.  He has years of experience, and he knows just what it takes to get the best of us.  But the truth is, with Christ on our side we can fight off all his attacks.  He may be stronger than we are, but He is not stronger than our Lord.  John reminds us of this truth.  He wrote, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

As we battle against the devil, let us make sure that we are putting our confidence in the right place.  Too often Christians fail because they trust in themselves instead of their Savior.  The words of Paul in Philippians 4:13 are very comforting, but they should also serve as a reminder to rely on Him and not ourselves, especially when it comes to our salvation.  When we begin to think too highly of ourselves, convinced that we can somehow defeat the devil on our own, that is when we become most vulnerable.

Paul had to remind the arrogant saints at Corinth that they would stumble and fall if they did not learn to put their confidence in God instead of themselves.  After giving them some examples of children of God falling in times past, he simply said to them, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).  

Let us not make that same mistake.  We can overcome any temptation, outlast any trouble, and outmaneuver any trial that invades our lives, but we cannot do it alone.  We must be humble enough to lean on Jesus in times of need.  Never is it more important to learn this lesson than when it comes to salvation.

Before Paul was converted to Christ, he, like all other Jews under the law, tried to save himself by meritorious works (Romans 9:30-10:4).  After obeying the gospel, however, Paul knew exactly who to trust, or I might say, who not to trust.  To the saints at Philippi he wrote, “For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3). 

Do you put confidence in the flesh when it comes to salvation?  Do you rely on your own strength to overcome the trials, tribulations, and temptations of life?  There is a better way to be victorious over the devil.  In fact, it is the only way to be victorious.  You can allow Jesus to strengthen you.  Then you can say with Paul, “I can do all things…”

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.