Connect with The Word
Tuesday, May 12
Connect with The Word
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Philippians 4:13 is one of the most popular verses in any of the 66 books of the Bible, having been printed on millions of stickers, key chains and t-shirts, cellphone cases, coffee mugs and famously on the face of quarterback Tim Tebow during NFL games.
Recently reading this verse I came to another conclusion. Instead of reciting this passage when we need to draw from a source that will empower us to defeat an enemy or conquer a difficult task, let us draw from this source to endure what God is telling us to walk through. Today I encourage you to replace the word ‘do’ with the one ‘endure’.
Philippians was written during one of the many times Paul was in prison. Therefore in order to understand Philippians 4:13 we must recognize the verses that come before. When we look at verses 11 and 12, the thought begins to take shape: Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 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.
With this we understand, Paul isn’t telling the church that they should dream bigger dreams; he is reminding them that they can endure the crushing feeling of defeat if those dreams aren’t realized. He’s not encouraging Christians to go out and conquer the world; he’s reminding them that they can press on (or press back) when the world begins to press in.
Contrary to popular belief, Gods Word does not teach us “God will give you the strength to do whatever you set your mind to.” God is not a vending machine or some fairy godmother with a wand who taps allowing us to fulfill our dreams. No, the God that we serve is so much greater than this. God’s Word teaches us that God is a sustainer when life feels unsustainable. He is the God who says ‘even though’. God reminded the Hebrew boys even though you are placed in the fire I will be with (Daniel 3), even though your brothers sold you into slavery I will make you great in the palace Joseph (Genesis 41). God’s presence was with David when he went up against Goliath and God shook the ground when Paul and Silas was tossed in prison.
And if you’re like me, this is a “good news” message. Because my experience is that life is messy and unpredictable and chock full of disappointments. Most of them, a result of my own doing. And in these moments I am reminded that God is with me and He will sustain me. Because He gives us what we actually need: strength to survive our moments of weakness and a sense of freedom even in life’s prisons.
If you find yourself jailed by circumstances, rest assured that with God you have the strength to endure all things.