I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13, NKJV
Strength in Every Season
Philippians 4:13 is a popular Bible verse that you may have seen posted on signs, social media, stickers, or cars. Maybe you’ve heard someone recite this verse before a sporting event or while trying to accomplish a difficult task.
Unfortunately, this verse is often misunderstood. This verse is not saying that we can accomplish whatever we want. Paul isn’t talking about winning a sports game or having the courage to do something daring.
Instead, Paul is actually talking about his time in prison. He is referencing the power of God that was with him during this difficult time of ministry.
In Philippians 4:12 he talks about the power he has to live content in every situation in life. He learned how to live with abundance and with nothing. He learned to live with very little food and resources, and also with a lot of food and resources.
Paul found that regardless of his circumstances, God continued to supply him with the power to do the work of God. He never lacked the strength and resources to tell others about the good news of Jesus—even while he was stuck in a prison.
Paul could live in every season of life and accomplish all that God asked of him through the strength that God gave him.
So, instead of God giving us strength to do anything we want, He gives us the strength we need to endure various circumstances and accomplish the mission that He has given us. This means that you will never lack any resource to live a growing and godly life, or to share the good news of Jesus with others.
If you’re in a season of abundance or a season of lack, remember that God is the one who gives you the strength to endure every season. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, ask God to supply you with the strength that only He can give.
Note after sharing the devotional: A lot of good stuff has been happening lately in my personal devotional time with God, to the point that I am not able to share much of it here. And that’s ok. What I can say is that, despite my struggles the last few years with today’s focus verse, it has become among the chief verses that act as pillars in my life (I’ve been collecting and writing down Scripture that God has been using to set up all sorts of corners of my life). Two other verses I want to share that I do believe Philippians 4:13 on its own can also stand with, despite my insistence that it otherwise cannot be taken out of context with Philippians 4:11-12:
Commit your way to the Lord,Trust also in Him,And He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5, NKJV
Commit your works to the Lord,And your thoughts will be established. Proverbs 16:3, NKJV
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13, NKJV
I’ll stop here, as this note can start to get away from the main theme of the day. But the factor that ties everything together is that, ultimately, God provides the strength and the sustenance, and that because of it, we can endure, whether we’re in the middle of a trial or in the middle of an endeavor.
Prayer: God, thank You for providing me with strength in every situation. Despite my efforts, I can do nothing on my own. Sometimes I let stress get the best of me and forget that You are in control. Fill me with Your strength and guide me one day at a time through this season. In Jesus’s name, Amen.