”I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13New International Version (NIV)
Philippians 4:13 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
I can do all things through Christ
“I can do all things through Christ” (Philippians 4:13) is commonly interpreted to mean that you can fulfill any desire you set your mind to. But when Paul penned this verse that’s not what he had in mind.
The Meaning of Philippians chapter 4 verse 13
Philippians 4:10-12 constitute Paul’s wrapping up of his letter to the church in Philippi. In these verses, Paul told the Philippian church that he had learned how to be content regardless of his circumstances. Therefore, whether he was hungry or well-fed, free or imprisoned, or he had much or nothing, he was content. His contentment was not based on his circumstances, but rather on Jesus.
Paul wrote these words from Rome while sitting in prison. Therefore, we can be confident that he knew what he was writing (talking) about. He was actually in a bad spot where he couldn’t rely on his own strength.
Peace, Joy, and Contentment
Therefore, you can be at peace, have joy, and be content regardless of your circumstances. If you have Jesus and nothing, then you have more than enough. The strength He provides in you is enough. It will give you the ability to endure the trials and hardships that you may encounter.
In your weakness and difficulty, you can encourage yourself that you are strong in Christ. And in your moment of lack, you can be encouraged that God is with you.
Instead of focusing on your current circumstances, like Paul who kept his eyes on Jesus, you can train your eyes on Him. That’s what got him through. And that’s what made Paul understand that through Christ he could do all things, even being content while imprisoned.
With Christ, you are God’s child, and you, therefore, make it through anything.
Prayer/Blessing
Father, thank You that I can do all things through Jesus who strengthens me. Through Christ, I am able to accomplish much. Your power works and manifests best in my weaknesses and difficulties. Therefore, I will boast about my weaknesses and difficulties so that the power of Christ can work in and through me.
Teach me to look to Jesus each moment of my days for strength, and not to rely on my own strength, for without You I can do nothing. Christ Jesus will empower me through the indwelling of His Spirit, to endure the trials.
Thanks be to You God that I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 5-9 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
