People who call themselves “Christians” quote this verse a lot, but then show distrust when they or their children face academic challenges like algebra or chemistry. Likewise, we think we have some kind of spiritual maturity, but we are spiritual infants at best until we receive the strength of Jesus to help us conquer tasks like staying free from pornography and drugs, exercising self-control with respect to food and money, and showing up to work on time every day and working wholeheartedly as for the Lord.

We can do all these things through Jesus who strengthens us. If we cannot do these things, we need to examine ourselves to see if we are really in the faith. Once you have a foundation of being faithful in little, then Jesus will train you through daily faithfulness in prayer and Scripture to distinguish good from evil. Thus, you can become mature, complete, and prepared to tackle the bigger challenges he has for you.

Your trust that you can do great things in Jesus is not only built on one verse which is oftentimes taken out of context. Your trust can be built on a solid track record of Jesus helping you in little things. As God helped David defeat the lion and the bear in his preparation to lead his people Israel, Jesus can help you defeat a myriad of smaller challenges and foes in your preparation to lead your family and beyond.

Querido Padre Celestial,

I confess my track record does not show unwavering trust that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I thank You that if we confess our sins, You are faithful and just to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Cleanse me Lord God, both from the past failures and from their guilt and shame. Help me not look at my past failures, but rather to Jesus. Help me to trust fully that I can master any task and accomplish any goal You set before me. Show me the smaller things Jesus will strengthen me for today, and help me grow to trust Jesus for bigger and bigger things as I see his faithfulness day by day. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

The promise in today’s verse is only available “through Christ,” referring to Jesus, because of his death on the cross, resurrection, and return to his throne in heaven. Overcoming mistakes, sin, failure, loss, or adversity in this life starts with giving your life to Jesus Christ. Whether for the first time or whether you are renewing your vows, so to speak, give your life to Jesus today, unconditionally.