While serving as a student intern in post Katrina New Orleans, I was introduced to a song entitled, “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me,” based on Philippians 4:13. I was inspired by the congregants who lifted their voices in hope filled praise, with the resolve that by God’s Grace they would rebuild their lives and dreams. Though the flood waters had washed away their homes and personal property it had not washed away their hope that God would provide for all their needs. During those Kairos moments the power of the Holy Spirit seemed to convict even the most extreme skeptic that all things are possible through Christ. Proclamation aligned with praxis, and yes, their walk lined up with their talk.
In Philippians 4:13, Paul reminded the Philippians that it was not by his own power, will, or might that he had been able to endure challenges in ministry, it was solely by God’s Grace. The people that gathered at First Street UMC in New Orleans realized that Resurrection was possible by leaning on the everlasting arms of God.
As we journey toward wholistic health and wellness, let’s reflect on this familiar passage and beg the question, do we really believe we can do all things through Christ? Yes, we proclaim that we can do all things through Christ, but does our actions align with that proclamation. Do we sometimes act as though we can do somethings through Christ in some areas of our life? But the all things remain elusive? Relative to our health and wellness, in what areas have we consciously or unconsciously ascribed to I can do all things through Christ except: __________________. We become spiritual giants in some areas petitioning the thrown of Grace without ceasing and witness great manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s power. Yet, when it comes to our health and well-being we sometimes fail to engage the same spiritual disciplines and practices to access the power of the Holy Spirit that have proven to be successful in other areas of our lives and ministries. As you contemplate the dimension of health that will be your focus for this journey, let’s lay aside the thoughts, habits, actions, patterns that have entangled us and prevented us from fully embodying wholisitic health & well-being. Let’s begin to call out those things that are not as if they were as we journey toward our goals. Then we will not only say I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, but our actions will reflect it also.
From a wholistic perspective as you reflect upon your history of health and well- being: (spiritual, emotional, physical, financial, social); how would you complete the following statement: I can do all things through Christ except ________________!
What one step can you take this week toward Wholistic Health?
How will you accomplish your goal?
When will you start?
PRAYER: May we trust in the Lord with all our heart, and no longer lean on our understanding relating to our spiritual life, physical life, emotional life, social life, and financial life; in all our ways (thoughts and actions), may we consistently acknowledge God, and allow God to direct our path and decisions to holy and wholly living. Amen.
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