Wednesday, October 11, 2023

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Go to any type of graduation ceremony, and ask a child to share his or her favorite scripture. Philippians 4:13 is quoted most often. Many people take it to mean that whatever they want in life, they can do, as Christ gives them the strength to achieve it. Not a bad philosophy. Christ is certainly omnipotent and gives strength as declared in Psalm 27:1b which says that God is the strength of my life. Isaiah 40:31 says that we renew our strength as we wait upon the Lord, and Moses declares in Exodus 15:2 that God is his strength and song. Yes, God is our strength: That is indisputable.

This passage of scripture must be interpreted while considering the passages surrounding it. First, this is one of Paul’s prison epistles. That means he wrote it while sitting in prison, not knowing what his end would be. Paul declares that he has learned to be content in all things, whether in lack or in plenty, while hungry or well fed. No matter what comes his way, he can get through it because of God’s strength. This verse is not a Word about how to attain great things in life, but it is a reminder that God sustains us in difficult places.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for your strength. Despite the season, you give me the ability to be content. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.