From Problem Focus To Source Reliance
The light was present in the line, one simple turn made the connection.
Devotional Credit
In Christ, E. Stanley Jones. Problem Conscious or Power Conscious. Key verse, Philippians 4:13.
Photo Credit
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E. Stanley Jones invites us to shift where we look when life presses in. Instead of becoming problem conscious, he calls us to become power conscious, not by stirring up energy from within, but by resting in the One in whom we are already placed. His paraphrase of Philippians 4:13 sings through the page, in Him who empowers me, I am able for anything. That is union language, not pep talk. It is the language of people who live in Jesus, drawing on His life as their present adequacy.
He describes a simple practice, taking that verse to heart at night and greeting the morning with it again. Not as a charm, but as a reminder that our location is in the Lord. When our minds rehearse union with Jesus, a quiet climate of confidence grows around the soul. The storm may still rage, yet we stand in grace because we are in Him.
This does not mean personalities are erased or responsibility is denied. It means the believer’s capacity is sourced in the indwelling Spirit, not in self improvement. Since we are in the Son and He is in us, His sufficiency meets our moments. His ability becomes our availability for whatever the day brings. Problems stop dictating the story. The living Presence does.
I am grateful for Dr. Jones’ steady pastoral voice here. He helps us live awake to where the real supply is found, in Jesus. He turns our eyes from self measurement to abiding dependence. That is good news for weary people like us who are learning to walk as those who are already in Christ.
Journal Entry, Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I unite you to the Lord Jesus and I dwell in you. Your life is hidden with Christ in God. I am the One who raised Jesus from the dead and I live in you, so My Life gives you adequacy for each step. As you received the Lord, keep walking in Him by faith. I strengthen you with power in your inner person according to the riches of the Father’s glory, so that Jesus lives His life through you.
You are no longer under the rule of the old life. You were buried with Him and raised to walk in newness of life. The life you now live in the body, you live by faith in the Son of God. Apart from Him you can do nothing, yet in Him you bear fruit that remains. My grace is sufficient for you, and My power is perfected in weakness.
Let your boast be in the Lord. I supply all you need for life and godliness. I work in you both to will and to work for the Father’s good pleasure. Serve with the strength that I supply, so that in everything Jesus is honored. I began this good work in you and I will bring it to completion. Christ in you is the hope of glory, and today I delight to express His life through you.
Real-Life Analogy
Think about flipping a light switch in a dark room. The wiring is already carrying power behind the wall. You do not manufacture electricity. You simply make the connection and the light comes on. Living in union with Jesus is like that. The Holy Spirit within is the present supply. We do not strain to be bright. We rely on the Source who is already here.
Try this when an anxious email lands or a deadline presses. Pause for a breath of attention and say, Lord, I trust You as my adequacy in this very task, think through me and speak through me now. Then act with a calm expectation that His life will be the difference.
Prayer Of Confidence
Father, thank You that in Jesus I am already placed in the One who is sufficient. Thank You that Your Spirit lives in me as my present supply for this day. I receive Your grace as my adequacy. I walk by faith, not by self effort. I rejoice that problems do not rule the story because Your life in me is the source. Lord, I trust You to express Your wisdom and steadiness through me in every conversation and decision today.
Scripture References For The Voice Of The Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section
Philippians 4:13; Colossians 3:3 to 4; Romans 8:11; Colossians 2:6 to 7; Ephesians 3:16 to 20; Romans 6:4 to 11; Galatians 2:20; John 15:5; 2 Corinthians 12:9 to 10; 1 Corinthians 1:30 to 31; 2 Peter 1:3; Philippians 2:13; 1 Peter 4:11; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 1:27 to 29; Romans 5:17; 2 Corinthians 3:5; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Zechariah 4:6; Jude 24 to 25.