Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

I’ve seen many Christians cite this passage as a powerful affirmation. It has become a meme. And indeed you have it in you to climb that mountain. You are capable of enduring and overcoming anything if you set your mind to it. You are willing to suffer to become the master of your own destiny. But are you willing to suffer the same things for the benefit of a family member? What about a neighbor? A stranger? A homeless beggar? How far out of your comfort zone are you willing to go for someone who can do nothing for you? What’s in it for you anyway? And if you have the strength alone to help someone in need, how much strength would you need from God to go the extra mile for someone else? How willing are you to become equal to an inordinately burdensome and punishing task for any of the previously mentioned people? There is a reason why there are no traffic jams along the extra mile. People usually don’t enjoy suffering let alone suffering for someone else. Longsuffering is not a part of most people’s vocabulary. But you really are stronger than you might think, and if you are willing to suffer for Christ’s sake, you will find strength that you never thought was possible.