“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:13 KJV

Paul was a man who knew what it meant to go through hard times; he was harassed and persecuted, imprisoned and beaten with rods, faced sleepless nights, suffered from hunger pains often, and was even stoned by people who professed to be followers of God—all because he preached the truth as it is in Jesus Christ (2Cor. 11:23-27).

Many would think that they had made a mistake and were on the wrong path if they were to face just a small fraction of the hardships that Paul had endured for the sake of the gospel. Yet Paul didn’t regret one moment of his journey, but continued to embrace the will of God with pleasure. Indeed, Paul had lost all interest in fulfilling the desires of the flesh as he chose to dedicate his life to serving Jesus Christ. Hence his reason for uttering the words: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”(Galatians 2:20 KJV)

Paul didn’t see adversity as too big a burden to face for Jesus Christ, but thought of it as a privilege to suffer for His sake, as he knew that Christ had also suffered greatly for him. There is no doubt that in seeking to make life very hard for Paul Satan sought to manipulate him into believing that he had made a mistake in following Jesus. But Paul knew better than to fall into the snare of Satan; he didn’t allow his attention to be controlled by the woes of his circumstances, but kept his eyes focused on the Prize awaiting him in heaven (1Corinthians 2:9).

It is important to understand that it wasn’t Paul’s ability to say “I can” that enabled him to endure hard times; rather, it was his knowledge of Jesus’ love for him that moved him to embrace the high calling of the gospel with passion. In other words, positive thinking won’t save you from the troubles that you will face as a result of seeking to live a godly life; rather, Jesus Christ is the one who will give you strength to overcome evil.

May Paul’s testimony serve to remind us that just as he found strength in Christ to overcome the world we can overcome anything that Satan throws at us too; that is, if we ask Jesus Christ to empower us with His strength (Isaiah 54:17).