“4 Ways Jesus Christ Strengthens You,” For the Strength of Youth, Jan. 2023.
4 Ways Jesus Christ Strengthens You
I can do all things through Christ.
Philippians 4:13
Throughout the world, Christians rejoice in this scripture: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).
When people hear this, some of them may think it means they can pass any test, win any game, and have every wish come true. But that’s not what this scripture teaches.
It was written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison. As a prisoner, there was a lot that Paul could not do, but he knew that Jesus Christ could strengthen him to do what matters most.
The same is true for you!
1 Christ Strengthens You to Know
Jesus Christ has given you several important ways you can come to know what is true. He has taught us all to pray always (see 3 Nephi 18:18) and ask to know what is true (see Moroni 10:4–5). You can also find and know what is true through your study of the scriptures.
Prayer and scripture study bring the Spirit into your life. The Spirit may speak to “your mind and … your heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 8:2), “fill your soul with joy,” and “enlighten your mind” (Doctrine and Covenants 11:13).
In these ways, you can “hear Him”—hear the Savior’s words and follow what He has said. President Russell M. Nelson has taught that this is “the pattern for success, happiness, and joy in this life.”1
2 Christ Strengthens You to Do
Strength comes to you as you strive to keep the commandments and make good choices that lead to peace and happiness. Jesus Christ strengthens you to do this even when those choices are hard to make. Sometimes you may make a bad choice. Thankfully, the Savior’s Atonement makes repentance possible. Because of Jesus Christ, you can become clean and find joy. He can strengthen you to “do better and be better”2 each day.
3 Christ Strengthens You to Overcome
While in prison, Paul wrote: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed” (Philippians 4:11–12).
In other words, Paul learned that, through Christ, he can overcome and learn from his trials and challenges. Jesus Christ can strengthen you to do the same.
The Savior suffered “pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind.” He took upon Himself our infirmities so that “he may know … how to succor [which means to help] his people according to their infirmities” (Alma 7:11–12). No matter what you face, Jesus Christ can strengthen you to endure and accomplish things you would not be able to do on your own.
4 Christ Strengthens You to Become
Jesus Christ has made resurrection a reality for all of us, and He makes eternal life possible for those who repent, receive essential ordinances, and make and keep covenants associated with them. Without Christ, we could not fulfill what Heavenly Father wants most—for us to become more like Him and His Son, Jesus Christ, and to dwell with Them eternally.
You can become more like Jesus Christ as you learn of Him, rely on and trust in Him, and follow His example. This will lead you to live with more faith, hope, charity, patience, humility, purity, and obedience. These are all attributes of the Savior.
As you strive to follow Jesus Christ, He will be your hope and your light that will guide you to become all that He knows you can become. And, with Paul, you will be able to say, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”