What does the “I can do all things” verse really mean?
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Lord Jesus,
Forgive us.
Like many in our Western individualistic culture.
we have taken Paul’s proclamation
about learning to be content
in all sorts of circumstances
and misapplied it.
We tend to use these words
like a superpower verse
emblazoned across our superpower uniform.
And then we treat you as if you are our super-strength.
In humility, we come to you
asking your Spirit to give us the ability
to know “how to be brought low,”
and to know “how to abound.
“In any and every circumstance…
to learn the secret of facing plenty and hunger,
abundance and need” (Philippians 4:11-12).
May we learn that you give us strength
to endure slow traffic
and slow test results
with patience and kindness,
May we learn that you give us strength
to trust that you will supply
all of our financial needs,
all of our health needs,
all of our energy needs,
“according to [your] riches in glory in Christ Jesus”
May we discover,
as your followers must,
that in our weakness,
your grace is sufficient for us.
And may we boast in that very all-sufficient grace (2 Corinthians 12:9),
which is in fact, the only “superpower” we have.
In your super-strong name we pray. Amen.
Read Philippians 4.
