Enter the characters you see belowSorry, we just need to make sure you're not a robot. For best results, please make sure your browser is accepting cookies. Show Type the characters you see in this image:Try different image Conditions of Use Privacy Policy © 1996-2014, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates I confess that I’m one of the millions of Christians who regularly recite Philippians 4:13. How can you not love this uplifting, soul-stirring, take-on-the-world promise? “I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me.” But there’s actually more encouragement in this verse than you might think at first. You see, Paul wrote these words while facing some of the worst trials of his life. Despite the threat of pain and death, he realized that God gives us strength in ways that go beyond the good times and the everything-is-okay moments. The strength of Christ reaches right down into our turmoil and pain. And it’s there that we can truly do “all things.” Here are 3
surprising ways this happens: When we think of victory, we often envision champions with trophies or medals. We think of spotlights and TV coverage and fame. We think of parades and celebrations. But true victory often happens far away from the crowd. In Christ, we will certainly see joyful times, just as anyone does. But what truly sets us apart as followers of Jesus is that we can find victory in the most difficult trials. James knew that type of
struggle very well, and yet he could honestly say: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
(James 1:2–4) Christ gives us the strength to not only endure the tough times, but also to grow during them. We aren’t meant to just slog through the pain; we’re meant to see our faith blossom right in the face of our battles. God equips us with the armor we need to stand firm:
That’s the kind of strength Jesus gives. 2. Through ContentmentIf there’s ever a fight that goes on in us humans, it’s the constant struggle to be content. Disappointments, setbacks, and delays keep hammering away at us. Apart from Christ, we’d quickly trip and stumble our way into bitterness and entitlement. After all, this world tells us that we “deserve to be happy,” and it’s easy to buy into that mindset. But in Christ, we move our eyes off the things we don’t have, the frustrations that surround us, and we put them where they need to be. Paul’s words from prison show this spiritual truth in action:
How can we have this type of contentment? By turning our attention from what we think we need to the only thing that truly matters:
After all, our hope isn’t in what we have or don’t have here on earth. Our hope is in Christ:
Jesus gives us the strength to see beyond our present circumstances and to trust in Him to provide everything we truly need. 3. Through His VictoryOur greatest victory, however, isn’t really ours at all. We can face any situation and be content no matter what happens because of one important fact:
Jesus died in our place and came back to life as a true Conqueror, and all He accomplished gets credited to our account. We didn’t earn a single bit of it, but we’re guaranteed so much. Peace:
Life:
A fresh start:
He won the victory, and we get to share the prize. Now, that’s how we can truly do all things through Christ. Listen and be encouraged by this beautiful video reading from Philippians 4. This article first appeared on BibleStudyTools.com. This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and quotes. We want to provide easy to read articles that answer your questions about the meaning, origin and history of specific verses within Scripture context. It is our hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God's Word in relation to your life today. "Pray Without Ceasing" "All Things Work Together for Good" "Tke Every Thought
Captive" "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Sasha Freemind What does it mean to do all things through Christ?“I can do all things through Christ” is commonly interpreted to mean that you can fulfill any desire you set your mind to. This famous verse is often distilled to simply a personal motivation to get through something tough.
What does the Bible say I can do all things through Christ?Philippians 4:11–13
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
What is the prayer I can do all things through Christ?Lord, I can do all things through Christ. So, guide me, lead me, walk beside me, protect me wherever I go. I come before You to give you all the praise, honor and glory You deserve. Execute the plans You have in store for me, not only granting my heart's desires, Oh Lord but giving me all that I truly deserve.
What does Philippians 4 13 mean to you?In context, "I can do all things" is the ministry that God has sent Paul to do. He can persevere, share the gospel, and be content in any situation. Not on his own, but through Christ who strengthens him.
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