“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 ESV
I hear this verse quoted a lot. A LOT a lot. It is on notebooks, journals, bracelets, and t-shirts. It’s such a popular verse that it has almost become cliché. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly assumes that his verse means that the Lord will supernaturally empower them to do "whatever they put their minds to." In reality, it is telling us something entirely different and much more empowering than that.
If we back up a couple of verses, we see that Paul is actually talking about enduring all situations. Not being swayed by circumstances and where that "strength" comes from. He can be free without allowing his freedom to lead him into destruction. He can be imprisoned without allowing his captivity to be a hinderance. He can be poor without allowing lack to quench his dreams. And he can be wealthy without allowing greed to destroy him. Those are just a few examples of how he KNOWS that the Lord has and will continue to strengthen him to do all things.
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Philippians 4:11-12 ESV
Paul is teaching us that though we suffer, the Lord strengthens us to ENDURE the suffering. If we back up even more to verses 8 and 9, he gives us a secret to harnessing the Lord’s strength through our focus.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 ESV
Peace in the midst of any storm. Focus on Jesus is why Peter was able to walk on water. Focus on the storm is why he began to sank. BUT EVEN THEN, the Lord strengthened Peter to endure the storm by pulling him out of the water. (Matthew 14:28-33)
Let’s keep going back. Before all of what we just covered, Paul says,
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God..." Talk to Him. About everything. Reach for Him. In everything. Look to Him. Instead of everything. "...And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Peace that SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 ESV
We do not have to understand what we are going through to do all the things that Paul tells us to do in Philippians 4! Trust is NOT contingent on understanding! We will never fully understand what we go through because our understanding is limited to our perspective. And our perspective is partial, skewed by past experiences, colored by hurt, disappointments, bitterness, gossip etc. Besides all of this...
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8 ESV
So stop trying to figure out! He will reveal what you need to know in time! Trust Him. Focus on Him. Take everything to Him. So that He can give you peace that surpasses understanding and strengthen you to do all things