As I have thought about this Sunday, a verse kept coming to my mind. This is a verse that people often quote – and misquote. Interpret – and misinterpret. But a verse we must often read, consider, and by which we must live!
In Christ, You Can
Notice what Paul writes – very simple but profound and hope-giving:
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)
This is great news!
You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
Have you caught that yet?
What Things?
Notice the immediate context.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
His contention is that you can go through anything with contentment. No matter what your scenario is today, Christ strengthens you to go through it as a content person. Whether it is going well or barely going, you can go through it with Christ who strengthens you.
This is great news for all of us.
First, this larger text is about gratitude, thinking what is right, and doing what is right (Phil 4:4-13). As you contemplate your specific situation today, the peace of God that comes through prayer (vv. 6-7), biblical thinking (v. 8), and corresponding biblical action (v. 9) will work together in God’s strength to allow you to face those issues with contentment.
Second, this text is not about physical acumen, skill, or health. This text does not refer to athletic accomplishment, closing a business deal, or landing a job – to name a few ideas. No. Instead, this text promises you that in all those activities – and in every other activity that honors the Lord – you can live, function, think, and emote in ways that honor Christ in your inner man. You can have a settled heart in the midst of a chaotic life. Because In Christ, you can.
Live in Light of the Truth Today
As you go about your Sunday, let me encourage you to remind yourself of this passage over and over.
Whatever it is in your life today that you face, you can face it with the confidence that God is working to help you become like Christ. Furthermore, in it, He gives you the power to face it with a settled heart of contentment. You can experience the peace to trust God as you face your situation from a foundation of a settled heart by the strength of Christ.
In Christ, you can.
Significantly Edited 09.28.20 to alleviate an exegetical error that I had missed in early morning writing. Very grateful for Larry O’Reilly pointing it out.
Image Credit Guduru Ajay bhargav
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