I CAN do - Philippians 4:13

          "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

  This has always been one of my favorite scriptures for many reasons, 2 of which are: it takes a proactive approach - I can do, and I'm not alone in the endeavor - through Christ who strengthens me. My suspicion is that this comes from being confident in whatever situation we find ourself. Verse 19 tells us that "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." And from that verse I take my stand that whatever is needed to accomplish (fill in the blank) will be available and I 'can do'.

  How we go about becoming confident that we 'can do' is discussed in John 15. Jesus tells us that we need to abide in Him in order to be fruitful and when we are fruitful that we honor the Father. Abide. What and how to abide is something we are able to do or we wouldn't be asked to do it, but exactly what is it and how do we get to that 'status'.

  For me, this teaching begins in John chapter 12. Jesus is teaching regarding His purpose in coming, who He is and proceeds by giving the disciples the words that can lead them after He has gone. He is preparing them to continue the work by giving them the principles they will need. Example: love (13:34), believe (14:1), Holy Spirit (14:25), etc. And to encourage them says:
        
         "...He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me
          you can do nothing." (14:5)     

  What we need to realize is that Jesus' words to His disciples are meant for us as well. Meant for now.  Apart from Him we really don't do anything that's of lasting value. Abiding is our 'method'. One of Webster's definitions of abide is to dwell. Dwell implies a taking up residency - and that's what we are to do, take up residency in Who Jesus was and what He did. We CAN do as a result.