One of my biggest enemies is ‘time’, and the management of time. I think time has wings. It literally flies. With every fast flap of the wings, soon going into overdrive, it says tick, tock, tick, tick, tick-tick-tick… The hands of my clock have names – Frantick and Hectick.
In the beginning of 2023, just before my year at work started, I said to the Lord that I am starting this year tired. I was sitting in front of my desk, scrolling over my calendar. It is the first time in my life that I actually planned my calendar (to be prepared), but to me it seemed like heaps piling up. I saw mount Everest in front of me and almost gave up before I started.
I heard the voice of the Lord saying: It is because you always try to do things in your own strength. I had the audacity to disagree with Him, but I had to ask Him why He could even say such a thing. I needed to find out if indeed this was the case. And if so, what I should do about it. For those of you who know me well, I always ask for Scripture to verify if this is not my own thoughts mumbling in my head. He said: You can do all things through Me who gives you strength.
I turned to Philippians 4: 13 “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Now wait a minute… Before you continue reading, read these words again. It is such a well-known verse that we tend to read over it (because we know it), so that it has lost its power in our lives. This verse is everywhere, from pastors to athletes. A quick internet search reveals that you can buy key chains, rings, buttons, t-shirts, stickers, postcards, bracelets, and handbags ‘declaring’ this verse. But despite its popularity, few of us really know the meaning of Philippians 4:13 and how to apply it to our lives.
It is commonly interpreted that we can fulfil any desire we set our mind to. It is turned into a slogan of personal empowerment — a declaration of self-achievement and accomplishment. But this is not what Paul had in mind. It goes deeper than this and these words are often misused. This verse isn’t a promise that He will do exactly what we want, or that things will always go your way. God never promises all our earthly problems will be fixed or taken away. It’s not about your dreams coming true or your goals being met. It doesn’t matter how much you pray, believe, or quote the Bible, bad things will still happen. You’ll lose the game. You’ll flunk the test. You will not be first choice. The job will fall through. There will be loadshedding. Life will happen. But Philippians 4:13 is our hope in the midst of our struggles and trials.
You see, this verse is not about winning the rugby match, or getting the gold medal at the championships; it’s about how you respond when you lose the match, or get injured for the season, or fail to make the team altogether. It’s not about getting that new job, that new car, or that new outfit; it’s about finding your contentment in the job you already have, in the car you already own, and in the wardrobe already hanging in your closet.
Can we take this ONE verse and build our lives around it? No. Always remember that context is king. What is the Word of God communicating to us? What is the Holy Spirit revealing to us? Can you imagine taking only one sentence out of your child’s speech and build a whole new meaning around that sentence? In Philippians 4, Paul is telling the church that he has learned how to be content regardless of his circumstances. He is saying that the power of Christ Jesus IN you is enough. Paul should know, as he wrote this while in prison. Paul recognized that the challenges he had experienced, and the ability to remain in a state of peace and contentment afterward, required a level of strength that was beyond human capability.
He teaches us that even though our circumstances might be bleak, God is still with us. And THAT is where our strength and peace lies. It’s in our own weakness when God’s power is strongest.
Paul didn’t pen these words from a place of victory. We would understand if he moaned and groaned about it. But Paul did not complain. He fixed his eyes on Jesus. This verse is not written to challenge the strong to become even greater. Rather, it’s written to encourage the weak and those that find themselves in difficult circumstances. It is a reminder that you can get through whatever life throws your way because God is with you. Paul understood that though Christ he could do all things. When we lose sight of that and try to power through on our own we will fail every time. Philippians 4:13 is about how to overcome the trials of life and how to be content with your present circumstances - with what you do have.
God is living in us and he is more than enough.
It’s a challenge to be content, no matter WHAT your circumstances. What was Paul’s secret to his contentment in life? How did he cope in spite of life’s trying difficulties? The strength needed, the power to persevere, had to come from somewhere else, from Someone else. He tells the secret: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He kept his eyes on what is most important. Paul had what matters most – JESUS!
Worrying, wailing, and “woe is me” was not in the apostle’s character, and it should not be in the character of any believer. Paul’s peace of mind came from his determination to be content with his life’s circumstances and to trust in God to see him through and provide him with the strength he needed to endure.
The New Testament in Modern English by J.B. Phillips translates it this way, “I am ready for anything through the strength of the one who lives within me.”
A glorious future awaits all those who really believe that all things can be endured through the help of Jesus Christ.
THAT is the inspiring and hope-filled meaning of Philippians 4:13.
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