The Apostle Paul once said:
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13)
Verse 13 "I can do all things..." is probably one of the most quoted and abused scriptures in the entire Bible. Those who are struggling cling to this verse and quote it to stir up hope and confidence in the face of legitimate trials. But just as likely to quote this verse are well-meaning Christian athletes who use it in the gym to sike themselves up for a new personal best on the bench press – as if Christ is in Heaven hurriedly dispatching muscle-bound seraphim to assist with the weights.
This passage obviously addresses the strength God gives us in difficult situations, but I wonder if this is only half of what Paul was trying to communicate. We shouldn't forget that his message here is TWO-sided – that he has learned to be content in seasons of great need... AND of plenty. Seasons with hunger pains AND seasons with a full belly.
So, when we get to verse 13 and he says, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me," why do we typically think Paul was referring only to trials? No doubt, it is often difficult to keep our eyes on Christ in the midst of the storm. Peter learned this more literally than most of us when he started sinking after having his gaze distracted by the wind and the waves (Matt 14). There's something about the moment when cold floodwaters creep up the back of your neck that forces you to look upward, isn't there? I have learned some of life's most beautiful lessons in the depths of pain and sorrow, only because my circumstances compelled me to turn to Christ, my Rescuer.
However, in times of great ease and blessing, we are not pushed beyond the brink of our own abilities. We can handle it and, consequently, we feel no need to stay close to the only One keeping us afloat. Though once riveted to God, our attention often turns downward to the gifts we hold in our hands and the many more laid at our feet.
Verse 13 "I can do all things..." is probably one of the most quoted and abused scriptures in the entire Bible. Those who are struggling cling to this verse and quote it to stir up hope and confidence in the face of legitimate trials. But just as likely to quote this verse are well-meaning Christian athletes who use it in the gym to sike themselves up for a new personal best on the bench press – as if Christ is in Heaven hurriedly dispatching muscle-bound seraphim to assist with the weights.
This passage obviously addresses the strength God gives us in difficult situations, but I wonder if this is only half of what Paul was trying to communicate. We shouldn't forget that his message here is TWO-sided – that he has learned to be content in seasons of great need... AND of plenty. Seasons with hunger pains AND seasons with a full belly.
So, when we get to verse 13 and he says, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me," why do we typically think Paul was referring only to trials? No doubt, it is often difficult to keep our eyes on Christ in the midst of the storm. Peter learned this more literally than most of us when he started sinking after having his gaze distracted by the wind and the waves (Matt 14). There's something about the moment when cold floodwaters creep up the back of your neck that forces you to look upward, isn't there? I have learned some of life's most beautiful lessons in the depths of pain and sorrow, only because my circumstances compelled me to turn to Christ, my Rescuer.
However, in times of great ease and blessing, we are not pushed beyond the brink of our own abilities. We can handle it and, consequently, we feel no need to stay close to the only One keeping us afloat. Though once riveted to God, our attention often turns downward to the gifts we hold in our hands and the many more laid at our feet.
It appears, then, that perhaps the more perilous situation may actually be the time of plenty since we so often grow unaware of our ceaseless and desperate need for Christ – a need that stays constant regardless of our circumstances. So then it is in times of FAVOR that we must stay closest to our Savior lest we forget where we came from and Who sustains us, even our every breath.
So, whether we find ourselves in need or in want, quoting Philippians 4:13 is appropriate, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." But let us learn to stand humbly on this promise in times of plenty as well.
God of mercy, help us as we wade through the ocean of your rich blessings, to keep our eyes fixed on You, from whom all good things flow – lest we find ourselves sinking to the most ironic death, drowning in a sea of favor.
So, whether we find ourselves in need or in want, quoting Philippians 4:13 is appropriate, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." But let us learn to stand humbly on this promise in times of plenty as well.
God of mercy, help us as we wade through the ocean of your rich blessings, to keep our eyes fixed on You, from whom all good things flow – lest we find ourselves sinking to the most ironic death, drowning in a sea of favor.
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