Oh Philippians 4:13! Lord, help us to really get it. For Your Glory.
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Lord, help us not to cheapen this passage by casually muttering it before quickly muttering something that you may or may not have called us to. When we really see it, in context, in light of Paul’s life – it means so much more. It CAN mean so much more to us.
Paul is talking about need and abundance, He can take hunger or plenty when the Lord is the One is strengthening Him. And we can walk in the same way. And that truly means so much more to me than knowing I could run a mile in under ten minutes or achieve all my personal financial goals.
We serve a God who doesn’t just save us from our sin, doesn’t just redeem our life from the pit, He also says – “Hey, whatever life situation I hand you for the sake of my glory: if it’s plenty, if it seems like not enough, if it’s easy or rough – I’m going to give you the strength to get through it. Because I love and because that’s the best way for it to happen and you can trust Me.”
Woosh. That’s good stuff.
You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
{ 46 comments… read them below or add one }
oh wowzers….when i finally read that passage slow and with caution i finally realized that what EXACTLY has happened to me since i became a born again christian!
I was bought up a christian my whole life, sent to a christian school, and was bought up with the Godly morals and values etc..but i never really took anything to heart, i didnt care, so once i went into the workforce (the army) at 17/18 i did my own thing ran my own life…i didnt realize it back then but when i look back my life spiralled out of control and one bad thing happened after another. I was literally nothing without having "friends" (parents meant nothing to me when i left for the army) and ALWAYS needed someone to text everyday just to feel loved and wanted..so i became dependent on fitting in with everyone being accepted and living the typical lifestyle of just working and drinking..whenever i was out on exercise i filled up my boredom and lonliness with friends friends and , yep more friends and watching movies…that was the only way i could find myself content and satisfied. So i relied upon three things: myself, friends, and worldy things to keep me going.
To cut to the chase, ALOT of events took place from when i joined the army to the end of last year, mainly hurt and confusion, my heart WOULD NOT stop telling me i was missing something. I was depressed for a very long time, had to see a pysch, started taking sleeping pills,cried myself to sleep n used alcohol as a way of "forgetting/moving on" , when i thought i had gotten over the problems, i was only kidding myself.
After feeling that sense of unworthiness for a long time i couldnt help but fall to my knees BEGGING the Father for the answer on numerous occasions. He heard my cries for help. He answered me with a little pamphlet on the back of a PUBLIC toilet door that was bright red with big white writing that said JESUS CHRIST HE IS YOUR ANSWER. Suddenly my world stopped. (well thats what it seemed)
Anyway! so since then my WHOLE life was transformed and still is till today, its only been a few months since i was born again and filled with the Holy Spirit but WOW the years i suffered and endured without the Loving Father seem like NOTHING in comparison to my last few months to what The Father has done in my changed life and the happiness peace and joy is IMMEASURABLE in comparison to the joy i felt with my "friends" from the past.
i realized he showed his concern for me THROUGH my friends although having my heart shut away from him i could not see a single thing, and learnt (amongst other things ofcourse) that wherever iam as long as i have the Father by my side (NOT FRIENDS!!!) i will ALWAYS be content even through the rough confusing times because he is ALWAYS there to catch me if im about to fall and put me back on his loving righteous path. And it is HIS WORDS that will last forever, not a friends, not a movie quote. NOTHING.
He is all i will EVER NEED.
Oh man,
God is never lacking and therefore neither am I. My perspective is often earth-bound and tainted by temporal circumstances.
Same here. I’ve read that passage many times. I’ve always associated it with God giving me the physical strength to do things. (Physically, I’m not strong, a bit of a weakling.) But now that my family and I are going through rough times, a prolonged season of “not enough,” the humbling position of having to live under someone elses roof, living pay check to pay check and sometimes on nothing at all, I’m realizing it has nothing to do with the physical strength, but an inner strength to keep going, keep pushing, keep hoping, believing. These times, I now see, are tools to develop wonderful Christ like attributes like “longsuffering,” “endurance” “patience” and the like. Therefore, helping us become “mature, well rounded Christians.”
I’ve be away from She reads thruth for a few weeks simply because I kept pushing it to the side and forgeting about it. I’ve started my first year of teaching this year and it has been incredibly rough. Today’s scripture has helped me to remember that God has placed me exactly where He wants me, He’s going to give me strength to survive and He will pull me through.
Tal…i was so sad to hear your son has become so hopeless in his young life. I too struggled many years ago with that hopelessness. I lost my mother when she died suddenly. I was only 12. I was lost, but God knew exactly what to do. When we look at life through our own eyes, we can’t see the blessings that God has waiting for us tomorrow. It s hard to trust God when things seem so dark. But God is always reaching His hands out to us..we just need to grab on!
God is good all the time. Even when in the natural it doesn't make sense. Today has been tough for us, one of our kids has hit a very low point and has lost all hope and wants to end his life. We are lost, you never wish to hear this from your teenage child. I opened up this app which had not opened for a while and read this so very timely reading. Loved the words…"I am going to give top you the strength to get through it.".
Hmmm, I have never really conected phil 4:10-13 with each other. Thank God for this revelation! I have peace knowing that God gives me strength when I am in need and when I am in plenty. All I need to do is believe!!
Like others this hit me anew. We live in a world intent on makingus discontented with our bodies, jobs, homes, families etc. We constantly compare ourselves to others. Paul is sayin – don't look out – look up to Christ
It is pouring down rain in my little part of the Oregon Coast, yet I am dry and content inside our little house that God gave us. Our daughters body lies in a cemetery some ways down the road and we miss her so much, but we are content that she is enjoying "all the pleasures" of Heaven. This verse " all things are possible …." Is written on her headstone because she loved that verse!…and believed it! Right now we are in some difficulties but this study has reminded me where I am with the God who strengthens me…Thank you Jesus.
This has been such an amazing devotional. We can do all things through Him who strengthens us. God never gives us more then we can handle and even though we feel we can’t handle it at times God always will get us through we just have to rely and trust in Him and ask for His help. He is an amazing God whom no matter what loves and supports His children….
I have Breast Cancer but I have a Saviour that is way more powerful than cancer. I will still live my life, with this diagnosis, and witness to others, of the love Christ has for them. The true joy we can find in this world, is in Christ alone.
Mrs.B God bless you dear! I have two dear friends who were fighting breast cancer last year. They too have the Savior but I know it was still scary and difficult. You certainly will be a light for those around you! I prayed for you, sister!
Yes I can do all things though Christ who strengthens me !!
He is all we need, it seems simple but I complicate it daily.turn to Him, trust and believe in Him and serve His kingdom. I learning that only when im weak can I be strong and only when I'm dependent will I be independent … I need Him in ALL things and I'm thankful for Him and the help He sends and the strength He give.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
I absolutely love what I’ve learned today and reading all these posts sure do help. Thank you Emily for your way with the Word and thanks to all of you for the same. God bless!
I can testify to this. God supplies his strength through every life event. My son was killed in Afghanistan. I could write for days at the sufficient strength The Lord provided. Rely on him, lean on him at all times.
Oh my dear, I am in that "club" losing our daughter in a car accident when she was 29 …i so know what you mean..Gods love, care, and peace are so real at a time like that! I'm so sorry for your sons loss, Gods gain!! I am so thankful for his service…God bless you.
Paul has learned to be content with whatever the circumstances. I pray that we, too, will learn to be content no matter what season we're in and trust God because He knows what's best for us and He never intends to harm us. Our Father is a caring father!
I can hardly believe that we are at the end of Phillipians. What a wonderful book and what a great way for Paul to end it. Reminding us that our contentment does not come from this world and the things that we are told that we must have in order to be happy and content. The amplified Bible reads this way for vs 13 I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses inner strenght in me. If only I would remember that Christ is all I will ever need and the other stuff is just that stuff.
I appriciate this community of God's beautiful daughters women of faith seeking to do His will for His glory. Bless each of you in your amazing journeys.
Whoosh! That IS Good stuff! Thanks be to God!
Jesus strengthens me woosh! That’s good stuff
Philippians bible study is over. It’s been 11refreshing days! Im thankful for this community and i wish i couldve been more active online but i didnt hv the time. I love all u women and i pray that we grow in grace. Lets remember that we are clothed with strength and dignity and that we are the hands and feet of Jesus. Yours and His, Ibukun
These verses reassure me that it is always well with me because The Lord is my everything. I can rest in knowing that no matter what things seem to be, he has me covered. He is my strength and I am not to resort to relying on my senses, my mind, or my human strength. He is God and I am His child so a know & trust Him to take care of me as He always has so I am always content.
Claire I can’t speak for u but I believe I can speak for the Christ n U.
I think u learn to be content. When u concentrate on Jesus. Sometimes things can be so bad that sitting at his feet just won’t do. U have to climb up n his lap.
Although I was not a victim of Katrina it was during this time that I lost everything.
My company closed, I lost my house, I lost all my belongings n storage including all of my sons baby pictures and personal momentoes. As I sat there before the tv at a friends home I cried because I shared their devestation their loss
To this day I have not recouped all of my losses. But God….. He has given me peace and grace. I can truly say that I am content in my present state
Your comments really connected with me as I have also experienced massive material loss but through this, Christ has provided me the strength to not only overcome the obstacles but triumph in ways I could never have achieved alone, and not by complacently sitting at his feet but whole heartedly trusting & obeying in Him. This also has given me the beautiful contentment of knowing that IN Christ, anything & everything is possible. Bless you all, I've loved sharing your 'God' thoughts & experiences
Kate your last comment is really interesting because as I read the passage and comments I was thinking how easy it is for me to be content. I am so lucky,I have so much where as I know others who have so little. For me the harsh reality is if it was all taken away would I still be content? If I had nothing would it still be as easy to trust in God. That is the true test of contentment based on faith for me.
I feel a little odd saying this, but i love that Paul gives weight also to learning to live with more. I’ve felt paralyzed recently by our western wealth, and I want to see this as God’s gift and something to steward well instead of just feeling guilty. I ask going to ask God to provide more opportunities to faithful took him in this.
Being content. I often confuse this with being complacent, but this is not God’s call. We still need to run the race, fight for justice, come out of the comfort zone for his glory. What contentment does mean is we should be filled with the blessed assurance that he is with us in all circumstances, that his sovereignty is supreme, that all our steps are planned and all things work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.
When I consider that it is Christ who provides my strength I suddenly get elated renewed. I don’t have to feel bad, inadequate. I realize that I can’t do most of the things he’s purposed for me to do in my own strength. Its like being given a new car, a map ( I guess now it would be a GPS), and a destination. I have also been given a bonus, an unlimited Gas Card; His strength. Wow, regardless of the road trip, I am covered!
These are the very verses I have been struggling with these past few days. I think it isn't a coincidence that God put them in front of me and with many insightful women to help me remember what I have known all along but forgotten in the midst of my life that feels much too hard each day and with no relief in sight. I appreciate what StephanieR shared about what Francis Chan said in "Crazy Love", that we need to get over it, that it's not about us, but about God. I need to remember that on my harder than usual days. Thanks for sharing and for being real. Life is tough, but it's not about us….it's about Him!
EVERYTHING is possible with Christ. AMEN
I am so thankful for #shereadstruth and how much serenity this study has brought me! I am learning to stop worrying about my Earthly fears and desires, and keep in mind the ultimate goal!
Had a “ah-ha!” moment reading these words today, especially v.13. I’ve read these words so many times thinking its all about me when it’s really all about giving honor to God. Paul is so focused on God’s promise he is content regardless of his circumstance!
Wow, I really needed this. The last few days of #shereadstruth have spoken to me right where I needed it. I'm so thankful that I CAN trust God and I can do all things through Him.
What a day to read this. My head aches so bad and it's not the allergy kind. It's the heavy heart kind. It's the I need to go run 20 miles and get the tension out.
He may have me in a desert. He provides exactly what I need and leads me through. I trust him more with each season he leads me through. He is the author and perfecter of my faith.
I know it's been weeks since your post, but as I read it today, I related, as my heart is heavy too. My son moved out this year for the first time. He moved to China and I'm struggling desperately with the loneliness without him. I prayed for you too and hope your situation has gotten better. I know God will give us both strength to run our race. However, I will continue to pray for you and would covet your prayers as well.
I love this! Whatever we have or don't have, it is enough… Because He is with us and will strengthen us to do what He has planned for us.
Really thinking about this and realizing how powerful it is just makes my heart want to burst!
I love how he says he has learned the secret. That God is enough. But he still liked that people stood by him. We do need each other. It’s important to be there for people and have those whom you know will be there for you. Great way to end this study.
Bad click, sorry trying to give you thumbs up! So well said!
Wow. And amen! We need contentment in our hearts to be effective in the places God has us. I can be content sitting here in my chair with my warm fire and coffee but boy oh boy can I lose it quick once I walk outside! There is a song we sing that says “I’m satisfied Lord, with nothing less than You.” I pray that today, as I interact with others I will truly rely upon You. Fully aware that You are not surprised. And You will give me what I need. Have a beautiful day ladies!
I was reintroduced to this chapter a few years ago when I was pregnant with my first child. I had just lost my job in the church, we had to move 3 hours away to live with family, and I felt abandoned by God. We couldn’t even afford groceries! Then I read this passage and I was reminded that GOD IS NO LESS GOD in the midst of need. Our blessings are abundant, even when we don’t have the things we *think* are necessary. Praise God!
Now, 3 years later we are in the midst of abundance. We have food on the table, a baby on the way, and we will soon have a house of our own. More than that — NONE of it is more important than the relationship I have with my Father! I wasn’t there a few years ago. These things are so temporal — and I appreciate the blessings more in the light of the One who loves me! Praise God he is with us in abundance AND in need! May I never take it for granted.
To be able to say "It is well! I am content!" is something I struggle with. Just looking up the word, "circumstances" which means everything standing around me. Am I content with my worldly goods, my financial condition, my way of life, my income, my motives, the fluctuations in my life, the events, the outlook, my chances? I can truly say I am not content in almost all of these! I can always find something I am not happy with, something not going my way! Francis Chan in his book "Crazy Love" says, "get over it! It is not about you! Everything we do, say, have, etc is about God!" Until I can honestly say "it is you God!" I have a long way to go! Verse 13 gives me hope that I can work out this salvation God has so freely given–"I can do anything through Christ who strengthens (the power to resist attack, to make strong, confirm, encourage, restore, make firm) me!"
Wow…it makes me sad how many times I have heard this verse over the years growing up in church, yet I've never truly looked at it in the context Paul wrote it. Contentment…true contentment. That is what I long to learn. Through Him who gives me strength…it is possible. Regardless the circumstances.
"11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
Contentment is in view here when Paul encourages us to find our strength in Christ, and oh do we need His strength in this area! Modern American is SO far from contentment that we're really told to be discontent with life in virtually every arena, always wanting more or something we don't have. Instead Paul says the "secret" of facing these challenges with contentment is our reliance upon Christ. Outwardly our circumstances can't define our level of contentment, the Lord is really showing me that we are to be like Paul, content in all things as it hinges on Christ, far deeper and more unmovable than whether or not we have this or that (material or immaterial).
I'be read that verse so many times yet today was the first time I really stopped to examine the context. SO POWERFUL!