Scripture:

“To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” Col 1:29

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”  Phil 4:13 NLT

Reflection:

The second law of thermodynamics states that if left to to it’s own devices, everything in the universe moves toward disorder and decay. Cars will rust, buildings will deteriorate, tree’s will grow old and die. Unfortunately, this natural world is designed to move from an ordered state to a disorder state. This process is called entropy, and to be honest, my wife hates it. OK, I guess we would all like for things to stay ordered and tidy, at least a while. The good news is that we do have a future hope that Heaven will be orderly and without decay! PTL

There is a part of me that wishes that when we became followers of Jesus, this process of disorder and decay would just stop. It would be great if when you became a Christian, you would never have to add oil to your car, you would not have to replace the boards on your deck due to rot, house maintenance projects would be a process of the former life before Christ. Think of all the time and frustration we would save not having to maintain stuff.

Yet, if God did this for us here and now, would we really be appreciative? He did some pretty amazing miracles for the children of Israel as they exited Egypt. It didn’t take them very long to find things to complain about. 

We also wouldn’t need to know that quiet energy that helps us through our days. The apostle Paul describes it as “His energy that so powerfully works within me!” Paul also declares that in the struggles of life, he knew what it is to be in need, and he knew what it is was to have plenty. He learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. He confidently stated “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” Phil.4:13

There is a quiet energy that we have in Christ at our disposal. For even if “our flesh and our heart fails, yet God is the strength of our heart and our portion forever.” … “So do not fear, for He is with you; do not be dismayed, for He is your God. He will strengthen you and help you; He will uphold you with His righteous right hand.”