What Can You Do? Do You Allow Christ to Strengthen You?

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
                           Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
 



 


Hi friends,

     How are you?  Today’s verse is one that many people have heard or read and know quite well.  With that being said, one would think that the message in Philippians 4:13 would seem pretty straightforward.  However, in my research, that doesn’t seem to be the case.  There are differing views as to what the verse really means.

     I guess that some people use Philippians 4:13 as encouragement to make large leaps and bounds and to claim success in whatever they have in mind to do.  However, others look at Philippians 4:13 as encouragement that God will give us strength to get through the hardships and rough times in life.  How do you look at the words in Philippians 4:13?

    St. Paul was writing this letter to the Philippians from jail.  So, his circumstances were probably those of hardship, discomfort, loneliness, and even misery.  Even though he was going through difficulty, he was telling the Philippians that he could do all things because Jesus was there for him and would give him strength.  St. Paul knew he could endure anything with the strength that Jesus would give him.  So, does that mean we have to be in dire straights in order for these words to apply?

     I think Philippians 4:13, like most of God’s Word, is less about the circumstance and more about our heart and frame of mind.  I think the most important thing to remember is that we need Jesus.  Too many times, we want to take more credit than we deserve.  We like to claim we are “self-made”.  However, this doesn’t give the credit to God, where it is due.  We can’t do things without God’s help.  We wouldn’t even be alive without God.  So, no, I don’t think we need to be in dire straights or in some sort of hardship to consider Philippians 4:13 as words of encouragement.

     Although, I don’t think that we need to be going through hardship to find value and comfort in Philippians 4:13, I also don’t feel that we can use Philippians 4:13 as a free for all and to expect God to give us anything we want.  I think our heart and mind, still has to be with God.  What we want still has to align with God’s will.  I believe we still have to come to God with a humble heart instead of feeling entitled.  Like I said, I believe that the importance lies in our heart, mind, and attitude instead of in our circumstances. 

     Philippians 4:13 also implies that whatever we want or need, might not be easy to get.  We wouldn’t need to be strengthened, if it wasn’t going to be difficult at times.  This might not mean hardships, like sickness or imprisonment.  It might mean that we are called to step outside of our comfort zone to do something in order to do what God has called us to do.  It might mean that we need to work hard and have patience, even if we feel that we would rather relax and give up.  It may also mean that we have to give beyond what we think our means might be financially, physically, emotionally, or even spiritually. 

     The comfort comes in knowing that whatever we are called to do, go through, or endure, God will strengthen us.  He is with us.  Jesus has been through similar.  He was our ultimate role model.  The Holy Spirit will remind us of God’s Word and how we will be strengthened.  We just need to believe and listen to the Holy Spirit.  We need to heed God’s Word.  We need to rely on God and trust that He will strengthen us and help us through.

     Even though it may seem like we are called to endure, go through, and give more than we can handle, we can take comfort in the words in Philippians 4:13.  Christ will strengthen us and help us endure what we are called to do.
 
     This is so encouraging!  I praise God that He loves us and gives us this comfort!  Now, if we can just remember it when we need strength.  If only we can remember to rely on Him instead of giving up or trying our own solutions. 
 
Heavenly Father,
     Oh Lord, thank you for your love and comfort.  Thank you for assuring us that you will help us through as long as we rely on you.  Thank you for letting us know that things might be difficult, but if you call us to do it and we rely on you, that you will be there to strengthen us.  Help us to rely on you.  Help us not to use our own strength and will, but yours instead.  Help us to trust in you instead of finding our own solutions or giving up.  I ask you this through your Son, Jesus.  Amen.
 
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Reflective questions for Philippians 4:13 (KJV):
*What does Philippians 4:13 mean to me?
*What is God telling me through Philippians 4:13?
*Can I just claim any success no matter what with the words in Philippians
 4:13?
*How can I better heed the words in Philippians 4:13?

Note:
     If you enjoyed the message in this week's post, you may find this other post interesting as well. 

Now, it is your turn.
     I am thankful that you are here.  I pray that God is blessing you through the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations.  If you find it value in it, please share it with others, so God can bless them through it as well.  Thank you.

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