Christ's strength

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

This is such a familiar verse but almost so familiar, that I fail to claim it in many instances.  In looking at the previous verses, Paul talks about how he learned to be content and that he learned what it was to have plenty and to be in need.  Then he follows it up with the fact that he could do all things through Christ who gave him the strength.   Paul came to the realization that he needed Christ's strength to handle the situations God put in his life.  Christ gives me the strength to handle the situations God allows in my life, to do what God has called me to do, to follow in obedience to Him in my daily walk, even in what I might consider the mundane tasks of my day.   I need to come to the realization that apart from God, I can do nothing.  I am insufficient in and of myself and in need of Christ's strength. I am incapable of completing what God asks me to do without His help. I find it's easier when I am in the "valley" and going through difficult times to allow Christ to strengthen me.  The danger comes when I am on the "mountaintop" and things are going well.  This is when I especially need to be cautious not to forget Who gave me the strength to get there.  

If God gives me the energy to do what He's asking of me (Phil 2:13) and Christ gives me the strength to accomplish it (Phil 4:13), then why in the world do I still try to do it on my own?  It's my fleshly nature trying to maintain control.  I have to relinquish full control to God for me to experience His energy and strength.