Where Does Real Strength Come From? based on Philippians 4:4-13

I. Boston strong and weakness. In our world today we are told to be strong. After the bombing at the end of the Boston marathon a few years ago, the people of the Boston area claimed to be Boston Strong. Some people do not like to admit weakness. Some even claim that going to church and believing in God are signs of weakness. Some people do not like to be prayed for, because they do not want others to know about a health problem or illness. They do not want others to know about their weakness.

II. Story of a flight by Lutheran pastor from Canada. A Lutheran pastor from Canada tells this story: [“Several times a year, I would fly from Toronto either to Winnipeg or Edmonton to attend meetings as I served as District President of the East District of the Lutheran Church—Canada. Once, as I was on a return flight to Toronto from Winnipeg, the plane in which I was a passenger suddenly was tossed about by a terrible storm. Suddenly there was a big bang, and all the lights inside the plane shut off, so that the inside of the cabin became completely dark. I began to pray that if this was the end for us, Jesus would enfold me in his arms and take me to himself in heaven. After a few moments (which seemed like an eternity!), the lights came back on. Then the voice of the pilot spoke calmly over the intercom and explained to us that the plane had been hit by lightning. However, everything had checked out okay, and shortly we would begin making our descent into Toronto.

“Across the aisle from me sat a man dressed in an officer’s uniform. I engaged him in conversation and discovered that he was a pilot who had spent a countless number of hours in the air. I began speaking to him about the storm, what we had experienced, and the reasonableness of our making a safe landing. How reassuring were his words! He said to me that he had once experienced the same thing, that a plane he was piloting had been struck by lightning, and that he had every confidence those reassuring words of the pilot were in fact true, and that our pilot would bring us safely down.

“As he spoke these words to me, I couldn’t help but think of a prayer that has often come from my lips: “Jesus, Savior, pilot me Over life’s tempestuous sea” (LSB 715:1). I thought of how reassuring it is to know personally the Pilot of my life and to have such complete confidence in him.

“It’s only when that faith falters that there’s room for fear to creep into our lives, for no matter how severe the storms may be, no matter how heavy the burdens or how strong the temptations, if Jesus is with us, directing our course and assuring us of his presence, we know that we will be safely directed to our destination.

“If I should have had to pilot our plane through the storm that night, I would have been afraid. Tragedy would surely have resulted because of my lack of knowledge for handling such an occurrence. There are many times in our lives too, when we don’t have the power to be victorious over a certain obstacle.

“But in fact, we never have to be afraid or anxious about anything (Phil 4:6–7). Instead, we can always be confident that the Master is the Captain of our lives. He assures us that his power will be ours.] (Rev. Paul Zabel, CPR Vol. 33, Part 4, Series A, pp. 5-6)

III. Read Philippians 4:4-7 and comment. The apostle Paul in Philippians 4:4-7 wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Rejoice in the Lord always? Rejoice in the Lord when life is difficult? Rejoice in the Lord when someone lets you down? Rejoice in the Lord when you feel weak in life? Rejoice in the Lord when no one seems to care about you? Rejoice in the Lord when food and gas prices are so high? Rejoice in the Lord when things do not seem to be going your way? Rejoice in the Lord when you are not feeling very strong?

The apostle Paul encourages us not to be worried or anxious about anything in life. Instead, we can pray to God about whatever is on our minds and give thanks to God. Troubles at home? Pray to God with thanksgiving. Troubles at work? Pray to God with thanksgiving. Problems with your car? Pray to God with thanksgiving. Problems with your computer or your smartphone? Pray to God with thanksgiving.

IV. Read Philippians 4:8-9 and comment. Philippians 4:8-9 gives us some good things to think about rather than worrying and being anxious: “Finally, …, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

So instead of worrying, think about whatever is true … whatever is honorable … whatever is just … whatever is pure … whatever is lovely … whatever is commendable and excellent and worthy of praise. The God of peace will be with you.

V. Read Philippians 4:11-13 and comment. The apostle Paul in Philippians 4:11-13 tells us where our real strength comes from: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

VI. Our real strength comes from Jesus. Our real strength does not come from inside of us. Our real strength comes through the gift of saving faith in Jesus. The same Jesus who suffered, died, and rose again for us gives us the real strength to get us through any challenges that come our way. Amen.

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.