All Things

If you've been in church much or around Christians in general, you've likely heard Philippians 4:13 quoted: "I can do all things through him [Christ] who gives me strength."    The discussion that would typically follow encourages us with the limitless power to accomplish whatever God calls us to.  And, the premise is true but the context is flawed.

Let me explain.  God does promise his children the power "to do more than all we ask or imagine according to his power at work within us" (Eph 3:20), but the Philippians 4 passage is not talking about accomplishing things, it is talking about enduring things.

To see its context, let's look first at verse 1: "Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!"  Paul is calling us to rejoice in every circumstance, regardless.  In verse 12 he goes on to say, "I know what is to be in need, and I know what 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."

Now, in verse 13, Paul reveals the secret of "being content" in "all things," which is employing the Christ-given strength that all Christians have available to them - even you.  So, if your are a disciple of Jesus Christ and you are not able to find contentment in your circumstances, it is not what God is doing to you but what you are not allowing God to do in you.  Jus' Say'n.