Oct
31
I Can Do Everything
Filed Under Devotional
Since junior high, my favorite scripture has always been this one:
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
I had a poster with this verse inscribed over the picture of a basketball player about to score a bucket. This verse gave me encouragement with the implication that whatever I set my mind to could be accomplished through Christ.
As I got older, I realized that this verse was more about never fearing that God has given you an assignment that you could not accomplish. This was not about my goals, but His. He will give you the strength to do the tasks given to you. There is confidence in knowing that you are not doomed to fail.
Today, I read it in context again and saw yet another facet. This verse is about contentment.
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13
He’s describing how he has come to a point of contentment in his life. He has seen the ups and downs and they no longer affect him because he’s content. He’s content because he knows that God will always provide for him and provide for the accomplishment of the work God has assigned to him. So, as long as you are living to serve God and do His work, you cannot be short on strength or power.
Contentment comes from knowing that the situations have no power over you. They cannot control your joy if you don’t let them. The situations are just another opportunity for God to shine through.
Because, in the end, you can do everything you need to do for Him through His strength.
Are you that content?