You Can Do This
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
If you’ve ever been to a sporting event or in the notebook or coffee mug aisle at your local store, you’ve likely seen something plastered with Philippians 4:13.While it’s great that athletes, students, and tired adult can use this book as motivation for games, tests, or just everyday life, Paul’s message in this book of the Bible is one that is much deeper and encouraging.
Paul writes the book of Philippians from prison; he has been jailed for preaching the Gospel, and he’s writing to encourage the church of Philippi who finds themselves facing similar persecution in their city. In a city submitted to Roman rule, Jesus followers were being imprisoned and even sentenced to death for their faith.
Yet Paul’s message is full of encouragement. He doesn’t shy away from the reality that things are difficult, but instead trusts that God is working in and through him in spite of his circumstances.
As he talks about his time in prison, Paul says, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Whether we find ourselves with much or with little, with challenging circumstances or great things going on in our lives, we can rest in the fact that we are never alone. Paul encourages his readers that “God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus,” and this is our good news! God is ready and willing to meet our needs, to comfort us in our circumstances, to sustain us through all things because of the richness of His love.
Author Jeffery Curtis Poor says it well: “ […] you can be at peace, have joy, be content regardless of your circumstances. If you have Jesus and nothing then you have more than enough. The power of Christ Jesus in you is enough.”
The power of Christ in you is more than enough, and He is with you today.