I Can Do All Things

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ESV)

I am still plugging through the list of verses that were sent to us just after we returned home from the hospital. I am looking at the verse above and thought it better to quote the verse in a little more context. Here it is again beginning from verse 11.

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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭11–13‬ ESV)

The all things that Paul is speaking about has to do with contentment. He is also speaking in the context of obedience to God, and love toward neighbor. He is not telling us that he has learned to be content while neglecting the gospel, stealing from his neighbor, or glancing at porn. The all things does not encompass Paul living in sin. He has learned to be content in every situation he finds himself in while living his life in obedience and love. Interestingly enough, the word contentment means self-sufficient, independent, and having no needs. Yet this is not an independence that sustains itself apart from the Lord, but rather acknowledges him as being the strength behind all contentment.

Through Jesus Christ, you and I can be content in any and every situation we find ourselves in. During our family prayer time last night, I thanked the Lord that he has enabled my family to keep our hands open before him. What I meant by that was instead of immediately grasping hold of the things he gives and being unwilling to let them go, we have left our hands open so that he could take back the gift if he wanted. This is exactly what he has chosen to do with our daughter Mercy. The Lord gave us a time with her while she was in the womb of my beloved. The Lord then took her away from us before we had the opportunity to feel her breathe, see her move, or hear her cry. We have the strength to be content in any and every situation because of Jesus Christ. We can do all things through him who strengthens me. And you can to if you are in Christ.