Some of the Most Popular Verses in the Bible Day 2, #9
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)
I think Philippians 4:13 is a bit of a paradoxical verse. On one hand, this verse is not meant to be interpreted the way most of society interprets this verse, but once you get to its true meaning, it is exactly what people think it is: an encouragement that with God’s help we will make it through.
When most of society reads, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” they view it as a motivational verse — one that encourages them that their dreams are not out of reach. They just need to dig down into the depths of who they are to receive strength to reach their dreams, and God will supply the strength that is needed. That is not exactly what Paul was going for when he penned these words.
In order to understand this verse in its proper context, we need to stop looking at it from a worldly perspective and view it from a heavenly perspective. I continue to come back to Proverbs 16:9: “The heart of man plans his way but the Lord establishes his steps.” We have desires and plans, and many of them are good and noble plans. However, Philippians 4:13 is not a verse meant to encourage us in our plans — it’s more a verse meant to encourage us as the Lord is establishing our steps.
Earlier in this verse, Paul talks about how he has found the secret to contentment. He knows “the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need,” and then he says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 is in fact a motivational verse; it’s just not motivating us to accomplish the things that please ourselves but to motivate us to accomplish the things that please God.
Paul knows the secret of contentment in all situations because he has learned to rest in Christ in all situations. Paul knows that the secret to honoring God, the secret to contentment, the secret to peace, is found in Christ Jesus Who gives him strength. James 1:1 – 4 tells us, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” How do we endure trials of various kinds? How do we persevere so we can grow in our faith? It’s only through relying on the strength of God.
John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” How do we accomplish anything for God? It’s only through him who abides in him.
In my ministry, I constantly find myself in situations where I say to myself, “I don’t know what to do, I don’t know how to handle this.” Sometimes, the situations are ones that I blow out of proportion in my head, and others are situations where I really do not have a clue about what my next move should be. However, in all situations, I know I can not only endure but thrive because of Philippians 4:13. My ability to accomplish anything according to the will of God is not found in my strength but in relying on His provision and His strength.
The next time you find yourself in a situation that seems impossible, or where you’re struggling to see how you will ever make it through, remember to pause and recite Philippians 4:13 back to yourself: “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
Adam Deering