I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress. –Philippians 4:10-14
One of the most often quoted verses from the Bible is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” It is a powerful verse that is found on motivational posters, bumper stickers, and stored by memory to be recalled on days when we face great challenges. I have no doubt that God strengthens us to overcome certain challenges and obstacles in our path, but this great scripture was not merely intended to encourage us to achieve great things.
The Apostle Paul writes the book of Philippians from prison. He is most likely in prison awaiting trial with the possibility of execution. Paul makes it clear that even before his arrest, he had faced trials of all kinds. Now, in captivity, Paul is facing a new struggle; one with a very uncertain outcome.
Paul writes this letter to the church in Philippi to encourage the people of faith to hold fast to God no matter what their circumstances. Paul is sharing a great testimony, while imprisoned, that God is present in all circumstances. In Paul’s journeys, he had witnessed God’s loving presences while being chased out towns by people throwing rocks, while being shipwrecked or by being treated as an outcast by people who professed the same faith as he did. Never the less, Paul persevered in his trust of God and his mission to share the love of God found in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:13 is, indeed a verse that encourages us in many ways. For the Apostle Paul, this was a recognition of his gratitude towards God. Paul was grateful that, no matter his circumstances, he had all he needed because of the great love and grace of God. I hope today you too will hear these beautiful words of the Apostle Paul and be reminded that, in God, we have all that we need and that is truly something to be grateful for.
–Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
