We must learn to live by faith in Christ Jesus in order for Him to live through us. We learn to live by faith in Christ Jesus and let Christ live through us when our flesh is brought to total weakness. The Apostle Paul wrote: (Philippians 4:11-12) “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I knowhow to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” The aspotle learned that no matter what the condition he was in, God was still in control and remained his source. Paul didn’t depend upon his own strength or talent; he depended on God.
Paul discussed this in another letter, explaining that his own weakness served as the platform for Christ’s strength. Paul had prayed to the Lord about a “thorn in the flesh” that bothered him. Opinions abound as to what was that thorn in the flesh. Personally, I believe that Paul was referring to the people he previously mentioned who had caused him much distress. Regardless of the nature of the thorn in the flesh that was a messenger of Satan, Paul wrote: “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
When problems have no answer, we’re forced to depend upon Christ who infuses us with His strength. He is on the inside, so when problems happen we have somewhere to go. No one likes problems, but according to Paul he delighted in problems because they caused him to depend on Christ within, rather than on his own ability, i.e. living from the inside out.
Problems enable us to stop doing things on our own, and let Christ on the inside do it for us. Remember, “it is no longer I that lives, but christ who lives on the inside of me.” We allow Christ to live through us by obeying His word. We must obey His Word so that the ability, the dunamis (power) of God, is infused into our life: Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundnatly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20)
