Daily Devotional - January 12th, 2026
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13
“True victory is not found in how strong we stand alone, but in how fully we lean on Christ.” — Alma Ohene-Opare
Commentary:
Self-reliance is often praised as a virtue. From an early age, we are taught to be independent, to trust our own abilities, and to push through adversity by sheer willpower. There is value in diligence and effort, but Scripture draws a clear line between responsible action and misplaced confidence. When self-reliance becomes self-sufficiency, it quietly replaces faith. What begins as discipline can harden into pride, leaving the soul exhausted and the spirit strained.
Consider a soldier who insists on fighting without armor to prove his toughness. His courage may be real, but his strategy is flawed. In the same way, when we face temptation, hardship, or calling with only our own strength, we leave ourselves vulnerable. God never intended His children to fight alone. Victory was always meant to flow from dependence on Him. The Lord’s strength does not merely supplement ours; it transforms the battle itself. What overwhelms us becomes manageable when surrendered to Him.
Christ models this truth perfectly. Though He possessed all power, He walked in constant communion with the Father. He prayed, submitted, and obeyed, showing that true strength is rooted in trust. When we rely on Christ, we are not avoiding responsibility; we are aligning with reality. God’s moral law teaches that humility precedes honor and that obedience unlocks freedom. A life anchored in Christ’s strength produces steady courage, clear judgment, and enduring peace, all marks of Christlike living.
Scripture:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13
Daily Application:
Surrender one specific challenge today to God in prayer, deliberately asking for His strength before taking action.