Can I Really Do All Things?
One of the most oft quoted scriptures in the New Testament is found in the book of Philippians. You see it on motivational plaques and hear it repeated when people are facing challenges that seem too hard to complete. Students claim it when they face a hard exam, and others stand on it when going on a difficult interview. Many people choose it as a life verse and make it a part of their signature. It is a powerful verse, but I am not sure that we always see it in its context.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13, KJV).
This verse is tucked into Paul’s communication to the Philippian church. This church had maintained communication with him while he was in prison. He was on house arrest, chained to a Roman guard twenty-four hours a day. The guards served six-hour shifts, so every six hours they would unlock and relock the 18-inch chain attaching themselves to the Apostle Paul. Paul
had no privacy, but can you imagine what the rotating cadre of guards experienced during his forced imprisonment?
While Paul could receive visitors, his movement was confined. God had removed him from his daily physical ministry to the churches, but that did not stop his care and oversight. If he could not go in person, he would write. While Paul didn’t know it at the time, God used this season in Paul’s life to produce an important portion of our New Testament.
When Paul wrote Philippians 4:13, he wasn’t facing a simple test or a bump in the road, he was living through the challenge of remaining faithful to God in ongoing difficult and trying circumstances. Look at verses eleven and twelve.
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased (belittled, degraded), and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”
God had taught Paul that He (God) was enough no matter what. In prison or out of prison. On the road preaching or chained to a guard writing and dictating letters. Hungry or full, prospering in this life or not. God is enough. Paul learned to be content.
How could he be content in all those circumstances?! (That exclamation point is not a mistake.) He wasn’t screaming at God to fix his problems. He didn’t even pray that God would take him out of prison. In fact, he was writing to the church to “rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 4:4).
This is where Philippians 4:13 comes into play. How could he be content? Paul had learned the secret.
Through the Christ who strengthened him.
He had prayed for this for believers in his letter to the church at Ephesus.
“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;” (Ephesians 3:16, KJV).
Paul knew the importance and the power of Christ’s strength in his heart and soul. Christ sustained him and carried him. Paul’s “all things” involved living content through the trials and difficulties that life in this world brings. His “all things” meant remaining faithful in the ministry God had given him regardless of the circumstances in which he was placed. His “all things” included being chained 24/7 to a Roman guard while trying to send encouragement to the fledgling churches.
As I reflected on Paul’s “all things”, I thought about my own. Life does not roll along in ways that I choose, and I am often at odds with the circumstances I face. People fail us. Illnesses assail. Hurts seem impossible to forgive. Seldom do we find ourselves living the life that we planned. Still, because of Christ’s strength in me, I can obey His commands, I can be content, and I can continue in the ministry that He has given to me.
It was never about what I can do in my strength. It has always been about Christ, about His strength in me.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
All things through Christ. There’s the secret.
What are the “all things” you are facing today?
Father, some days my “all things” are not very pretty. They look like dealing with angry people and loving the unlovely. (I can be pretty unlovely myself.) Some days they involve dreams gone awry and misplaced priorities. Every day, though, You are my strength. Every day, You are enough in my life no matter what else is happening. Help me to keep my focus clear and steadfast on Who You are for in You I find my contentment and my joy. You are such a good, good Father. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Think About It
· Have you learned to be content regardless of the curves life throws your way?
· Are you depending on Christ’s strength to carry you?
· How can you refocus on Christ when life throws you upside down?
· What are the “all things” that you need to trust Christ with today?
Comments