Through Christ

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Every moment regardless of our circumstances, this is possible for us in Christ. So this kind of contentment doesn’t come from outside of us, doesn’t come from our circumstances, it comes from inside of us. From Christ in us.

In this way, this kind of contentment is completely free from dependence on our circumstances. That’s the whole point. It transcends our circumstances as we trust in Christ amidst whatever we are walking through.

Contentment like this comes from total dependence on Christ, which is why Paul says this is the secret. I can do all things, not by myself, not I can do all things through myself, not I can do all things through my strength, through my efforts to have joy and peace and gentleness and strength. No, I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Verse 13 is a popular religious message, appearing on everything from shirts and caps to socks and bracelets. It’s so common that even many nonreligious people are familiar with it.

The verse’s popularity has led to some misunderstandings. Even the first half of the verse—“I can do all things”—has been plucked out of context and repackaged as a feel-good, inspirational mantra that people repeat to themselves when attempting something difficult, or even impossible.

“I can do all things”

“I can clear this 10-foot jump.” “I can win this tennis match.” “I can make a million dollars.” “I can close this huge account.” V. 13 has nothing to do with any of those things.

This passage is not about all the wonderful things you can have or achieve if you just muster up the willpower, if you just put your mind to it. And it certainly is not a blank check for a person to do anything he or she wants and expect Christ’s support.

When we read the context, we find that the apostle Paul was discussing something altogether different. How to overcome the trials of life and how to be content with your present circumstances, with what you do have.

Every common task to which we place on our shoulders and each Christian duty to which we are called, can only be successfully discharged as we rely on the Lord Jesus Christ for guidance and strength. We are to live, and work, and be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, not in the strength and power of our own, fleshly, human abilities.

We are to be strengthened in the 'inner' man through the power of the indwelling Spirit of God. This is not a one-time strengthening, but a moment by moment reliance upon Him, until we are increasingly able to act upon His guidance, as we learn to listen to His voice saying: "This is the way, walk in it."

It is not by my strength or by

my own power or wisdom that I can do all things, but through Christ, Who gives me His strength. Like the apostle Paul, without HIM I can do nothing but I can do all things through Christ: "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord!!!

Father thank You for this day and for You life changing Word. Lord let Your abundant blessings be my friend and family’s portion today. Lord to look to You each moment of the day for our strength and not to rely on our own imperfect, human abilities and intelligence, for without You we can do nothing. But thanks be to God that as I rest in You, You empower us, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to carry out Your will for our lives. Lord use my friend to be someone’s blessing today.

Father we love You. Amen !