EPISODE 585 – YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS 1

YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS 1

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” 

Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

This opening verse is one of the most quoted scriptures by Christians worldwide. The truth is that it gives much hope and confidence to the saints.

It has supplied motivation to many believers in different fields or spheres, such as, those in sports, academia or students embarking on an academic pursuit, medical personnel entering the surgical ward, the nurse assigned to a difficult patient, a pregnant lady in labour, the inexperienced young man or lady assigned to a new top leadership role in an organization, the software developer who is feeling overwhelmed with just three days to complete a complex project.

Many sincerely can testify how they felt rejuvenated by this verse of scripture to complete a task given to them.

Bible teachers and scholars have debated the misuse of this scripture verse.

Some are of the opinion that when Paul the apostle said, “I can do all things…” he wasn’t talking about the ability to run in a race, play football, or basketball, perform gymnastics or even win a boxing fight. Neither was he talking about the ability to study and pass exams, or to lead a business organization.

Clearly, the Apostle Paul listed the things he was referring to as the All THINGS he can do.

Take a look at the verse in context:

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well that you shared in my distress.” Philippians 4:10-14 (NKJV)

From the context of this verse, Paul the apostle was sharing with the saints in Philippi, how he has been enabled by the Lord to live in contentment as he preaches the gospel. He was expressing how he had learnt not to be greedy but to continue in the ministry of the Lord even when he has abundance or when he lacks.

Some people are only able to do what God has called them to do, only when they have all their needs met. You will not find these people involved in the ministry of the Lord when they are in need. They will rather abandon their ministerial duty to pursue the satisfaction of their personal needs than to continue to labor in lack. These people only serve the Lord when things seem to be convenient.

But Paul the apostle had a different testimony. His service to God is not only when it’s convenient. He doesn’t get busy with the gospel only when he has everything he needs. He is strengthened to continue in the business of the gospel even in hunger.

Christ supplies His strength to you to accomplish all the assignments He has given to you no matter the situation at hand.

Though you can draw inspiration or motivation from the verse to carry out a project or pursue a career, the focus of Christ’s strength is not to satisfy your personal interests or ambitions.

Many people will only use this verse to address their interests and neglect the assignment given to them by the Lord.

The strength of Christ is not for your selfish desire. Christ supplies you with His strength to carry out His purpose.

Whenever you declare that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, you must be sure the “all things” you are doing will bring glory to God.

Irrespective of the situation or the challenge you face in your pursuit of God’s purpose, you must take advantage of the strength of God to be content.

Selah!