WE ALL HAVE favorite Scriptures that we refer to frequently. When someone asks me to sign one of my books, I write my favorite Scripture reference, Philippians 4:13 (KJV), “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Many years ago, I was given the responsibility of serving as the interior designer for the Rhema campus. It was an exciting assignment, but there was one problem—I had never been trained as an interior designer. In fact, I didn’t consider it one of my natural talents.
As the project grew, so did the pressure. Every decision seemed important. Every room needed attention. Every choice felt permanent. The weight of responsibility became overwhelming, and I did what I should have done from the beginning—I went to the Lord. I didn’t ask Him for a new talent. I didn’t ask Him to remove the assignment. I simply asked Him for a word that would give me the courage to continue.
Immediately, the Holy Spirit brought Philippians 4:13 to my remembrance. Then I read it in the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, and it came alive in a fresh way: “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].”
Notice that Paul did not say, “I can do all things because I am talented.” He didn’t say, “I can do all things because I have experience, education, or ability.” He said that Christ empowers us. That changes everything. Sometimes God intentionally leads us into assignments that exceed our abilities. If we could accomplish everything in our own strength, we might begin to depend on ourselves rather than on Him.
Throughout Scripture, we see God choosing ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. Moses felt inadequate to lead Israel. Gideon believed he was the least in his family. Jeremiah thought he was too young. The disciples were ordinary fishermen. Yet each discovered that God’s calling always comes with God’s enabling. God never asks us to accomplish His assignment by ourselves.
You may be facing a situation that feels larger than your experience. Perhaps God has entrusted you with leading your family through a difficult season. Maybe you’ve accepted a promotion at work that pushes you beyond your comfort zone. You may be caring for aging parents, serving in ministry, starting a new business, raising children, or walking through a season that requires wisdom you simply do not have.
It is in those moments that fear often whispers, “You’re not qualified.” But faith answers, “God is.” The Lord has never been limited by our lack of ability. He simply asks us to trust Him enough to obey. Faith often requires us to step before we feel ready.
As you move forward in obedience, the Holy Spirit will guide you step by step. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach us all things and guide us into truth (John 14:26; John 16:13). These promises were not given only for spiritual matters—they apply to every area of life where we need God’s wisdom. The key is to maintain continual fellowship with the Father.
When we regularly spend time in His presence through prayer and His Word, we become familiar with His voice. Sometimes His direction comes through Scripture. It may come as a quiet inward witness. Other times, He opens or closes a door or gives us wisdom through godly counsel. However He chooses to lead, He always keeps His promises.
Looking back, I can honestly say that assignment became one of the greatest learning experiences of my life. It wasn’t because I suddenly became an expert designer. It was because I learned that God’s strength is truly made perfect in our weakness. Every challenge became another opportunity to witness Him provide wisdom I didn’t possess. Every obstacle became another reminder that His grace
was enough.
God often stretches us before He enlarges us. He uses unfamiliar assignments to develop greater faith, deeper dependence, and stronger confidence in His faithfulness. What feels overwhelming today may well become tomorrow’s testimony of God’s goodness. If you find yourself facing a task that seems impossible, don’t let fear convince you that you cannot do it. Instead, remember Philippians 4:13.
If God has called you, He will empower you. If He has assigned it, He will equip you. If you trust His promises, obey His direction, and remain in close fellowship with Him, you will discover what I learned years ago: His ability is always greater than your inability. You may feel stretched beyond your ability, but you are never stretched beyond God’s ability.
Author
Lynette Hagin
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