Strength for the Journey – Day 12
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Strength for the Journey
40 Scriptures to Shape Your Faith
Day 12 | Philippians 4:13
Strength for the Journey
40 Scriptures to Shape Your Faith
Day 12 | Philippians 4:13
Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
This verse is widely known and appears in many places: on gym walls, on basketball jerseys, on graduation caps, and in motivational posters. People love to say, "I can do ALL things!" While this sentiment is popular today, Christ followers should approach it with care and understanding.
Here's the CONTEXT: Paul wrote this letter from PRISON, chained and awaiting trial. He tells us he can do "all things." But… what does that mean?
Look at the preceding verses. Paul says he's learned to be content "in whatever situation I find myself," whether hungry, full, in need, or with plenty. So the "all things" includes ENDURING hardship and remaining content REGARDLESS of circumstances, not winning championships or hitting sales targets. (Though there’s nothing inherently wrong with those).
But that perspective changes everything. The verse isn't about self-confidence. It's about leaning on the Lord to do ALL that He wants you to do.
I suspect most of us, when young in the faith, misused this verse. Many thought it meant we could achieve anything if we just believed hard enough. Now I see it differently. The "all things" Paul refers to aren't necessarily achievements (unless that’s God’s plan for you); they're ENDURANCES. Christ supplies the strength for both.
Question: What are you facing that feels impossible? A broken relationship? A bottomless financial hole? A serious health challenge? A habit you can't break? This verse applies not because YOU'LL succeed by your own power, but because HE WILL STRENGTHEN YOU to do what He wants for you.
Quote: "The Apostle Paul doesn't say he can do all things; he says he can do all things through Christ. That changes everything."
— A.W. Tozer
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that my strength is limited, but Yours is not. Please grant me the strength You know I need to do ALL that You want me to do. Amen.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
This verse is widely known and appears in many places: on gym walls, on basketball jerseys, on graduation caps, and in motivational posters. People love to say, "I can do ALL things!" While this sentiment is popular today, Christ followers should approach it with care and understanding.
Here's the CONTEXT: Paul wrote this letter from PRISON, chained and awaiting trial. He tells us he can do "all things." But… what does that mean?
Look at the preceding verses. Paul says he's learned to be content "in whatever situation I find myself," whether hungry, full, in need, or with plenty. So the "all things" includes ENDURING hardship and remaining content REGARDLESS of circumstances, not winning championships or hitting sales targets. (Though there’s nothing inherently wrong with those).
But that perspective changes everything. The verse isn't about self-confidence. It's about leaning on the Lord to do ALL that He wants you to do.
I suspect most of us, when young in the faith, misused this verse. Many thought it meant we could achieve anything if we just believed hard enough. Now I see it differently. The "all things" Paul refers to aren't necessarily achievements (unless that’s God’s plan for you); they're ENDURANCES. Christ supplies the strength for both.
Question: What are you facing that feels impossible? A broken relationship? A bottomless financial hole? A serious health challenge? A habit you can't break? This verse applies not because YOU'LL succeed by your own power, but because HE WILL STRENGTHEN YOU to do what He wants for you.
Quote: "The Apostle Paul doesn't say he can do all things; he says he can do all things through Christ. That changes everything."
— A.W. Tozer
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that my strength is limited, but Yours is not. Please grant me the strength You know I need to do ALL that You want me to do. Amen.
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