I Can Do All Things

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13:

I've been using this as my life verse since I was a young Christian. I've thought of it as some sort of a "mantra" (don't mind the term) in times of my struggles. It is somewhat like a super power from God that would make me do "all" things, that was my childish and self-centered belief.

As I do my devotion last night, I've come across Psalm 40, John 14, and Philippians 4. Digging through the comfort from God through these messages, I've seen Philippians 4:13 in a different perspective.

Philippians 4

v. 11: Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

v. 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.

v. 13: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Putting these on context, Paul had experienced both afflictions and celebrations in fulfilling his ministry of proclaiming the gospel. He did "know how to be abased" and "how to abound". It wasn't a smooth-sailing adventure for him. Paul was a human in flesh with his own set of weaknesses. He hadn't any super power do "all things". He even had his "thorn in the flesh". Yes, God can do everything, no doubt about it. The Lord has helped me to see verse 13 in a different way: I believe that Paul was explaining that in whatever circumstance, whether he be abounding in blessings or abounding in afflictions, he could still do everything for the Lord and through the Lord. He could still serve God in the midst of trials in the same way he did in times of prosperity. Paul's strength, determination and confidence to continue his ministry weren't dependent on his situation. They were all through Christ and for the glory of Christ.

Sometimes in life, we may find ourselves battling adversities we sore afraid to lose. We would even hit the rock-bottoms of these adventures. In times like these, we would be tempted to cease on serving God. We would be enticed by the enemy to give up on putting faith in the Lord. However, Philippians 4:13 is a great reminder for us to carry on doing all things through Christ's unlimited supply of grace and strength. Jesus is the author and the keeper of our faith. And just when we think that we cannot continue doing what God wants us to do, burdened by the storms of this life, think again. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. So, fight the good fight of faith and carry on with God's mission.