“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13
This is going to disappoint some people but this verse, at least in the flagrant way people take this out of context in today’s society, this ain’t necessarily so!
Just because some mega-bucks TV evangelist tells you that you are so good that God will hand you a big purse every time you need it, does not make it true.
Just because I am Christian does not mean I can go do anything that I want to because I pray “Lord, give me strength!”. For instance, I have been trying to do some work in the yard where a tree fell down and have been in the process of cutting it up. I pray, “Lord, give me strength!”, and I go outside and start up. Within twenty minutes, I am spent for the day. I cannot get it done, even after invoking the name of Jesus! Twenty years ago, I could have lasted an hour and a half (maybe). Those days are gone!
Why did the prayer not work? Well, for one thing that was a truly selfish prayer in order for me to get something done for me. If you read the surrounding content of that scripture Paul is talking about your faith in Christ and no matter what your circumstances, you will have the strength to get through those circumstances because of that faith (faith in Christ, not in your own strength).
When we are young, I will grant you that this concept is even harder to grasp. (Especially when you have heard the misquoted, “I can do all things through Christ..” our entire lives. Not only have we heard it, it has been stamped upon our brains.
Let me give you a little trick. Whenever (that means every time) you hear scripture, don’t think of you. That is hard to do, I know, but don’t!
Think instead of Christ. All scripture is trying to point you to Christ! NOT back to you, UP to Christ!
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long- suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”
“O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.”
“Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.”
Psalm 85:15-17
There is so much more I could give you, but I just came from my twenty minutes in the yard and I am just me. Look to Christ! Amen!
AE
and continuing…
When I was a child I went for one week to a summer camp at a Christian camp. I remember we were split into groups to compete in games. I still remember one of the teams decided to chant/cheer their team on by reciting Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. I remember even as a kid wondering why anyone would use the Bible as a cheer, and also why in the world they were using that verse that way.
Context is vital when reading scripture. Read this verse in context, and it becomes so much richer than a little cheer. It’s so much more!
4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, 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.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
I can’t do all things. I can’t fly. I can’t become a man. I can’t do anything just because I set my mind to it. I can do what God requires of me. I can rejoice in all things. I can be content. I can do what is right.
GA
Voice of the Introverts 