For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).
I used to be a distance runner…at least until my knees blew up.
Whenever I felt like stopping before I reached the end of a run, I’d think about this verse and push forward. After all, the verse says that I can everything, surely that must mean I can finish a ten-mile run.
If you approach the verse with that logic though, it can get a bit silly.
- If a ten-mile run qualifies, wouldn’t a 1000-mile run also fall under the category of everything?
- Does the power of Christ within my skinny, 170-pound body empower me to be an NFL lineman?
- Can I join the professional bull riders’ circuit with no prior experience?
See what I mean? Silly.
When you read this verse in context though, you realize that the Apostle Paul is actually talking about enduring the difficulties that can come from following Christ. He’s telling us that we can trust God to give us the strength to handle everything He calls us to do—even when faced with opposition.
No, the power of Christ within you probably won’t enable you to bench press a Buick, but it will enable you to offer love to your enemies
…to forgive those who persecute you
…to give joyfully and sacrificially
…to trust God with your entire life.
After all, none of us are capable of doing any of those things on our own.
But remember, God never expected you to do them on your own. He intends for you to do them by trusting the power of Christ, which you were given the moment you believed.
