"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Philippians 4:10-23
This was the #1 searched and shared verse on YouVersion in 2013. And let's be honest, it sure seems like a super awesome and encouraging verse. With this verse I feel like I can take on the world! Kilimanjaro will be cake since I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! However, this verse isn't a prescription to go and climb a mountain, win a soccer game, or achieve business success. It is much more than that, but we only get the full picture when we consider the verses surrounding it.
In verse 10 Paul says he's excited that the church is again so concerned for him and the ministry God is accomplishing through him that they've sent him gifts and finances to help. He's clear though that he wasn't saying this because he needed the money - he had learned how to be content, no matter the situation. Whether poor or rich, hungry or full, he had learned contentment. "I can do all things..." You see, God had given Paul the strength to endure all situations he faced. Paul continues to talk about his situation and the blessing that they in Phillipi are to him and his excitement for their giving because he knew God would also supply all of their needs (v. 14-20).
Can God strengthen us to do anything? Most certainly! Everything He has called you to, He will strengthen you to walk through. Let's stop using this verse as a license to do what we want. Instead, let's prayerfully seek out what He has called us to do and trust in His strength to faithfully complete it, especially being content throughout every situation.
Lord, Thank You for Your perfect and complete Word. Help me understand Your Word as You want it understood. Thank You for being the God of peace and contentment, for providing all things and promising to strengthen me in every situation You place me. You are my provider and sustainer. Amen.
Philippians 4:10-23
This was the #1 searched and shared verse on YouVersion in 2013. And let's be honest, it sure seems like a super awesome and encouraging verse. With this verse I feel like I can take on the world! Kilimanjaro will be cake since I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! However, this verse isn't a prescription to go and climb a mountain, win a soccer game, or achieve business success. It is much more than that, but we only get the full picture when we consider the verses surrounding it.
In verse 10 Paul says he's excited that the church is again so concerned for him and the ministry God is accomplishing through him that they've sent him gifts and finances to help. He's clear though that he wasn't saying this because he needed the money - he had learned how to be content, no matter the situation. Whether poor or rich, hungry or full, he had learned contentment. "I can do all things..." You see, God had given Paul the strength to endure all situations he faced. Paul continues to talk about his situation and the blessing that they in Phillipi are to him and his excitement for their giving because he knew God would also supply all of their needs (v. 14-20).
Can God strengthen us to do anything? Most certainly! Everything He has called you to, He will strengthen you to walk through. Let's stop using this verse as a license to do what we want. Instead, let's prayerfully seek out what He has called us to do and trust in His strength to faithfully complete it, especially being content throughout every situation.
Lord, Thank You for Your perfect and complete Word. Help me understand Your Word as You want it understood. Thank You for being the God of peace and contentment, for providing all things and promising to strengthen me in every situation You place me. You are my provider and sustainer. Amen.
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