I went into labor one afternoon, several years ago, with my second child. As I called a friend to let her know the good news, I was reminded of something her husband said to me at Bible Study the week before. I was chatting with a small group about being ready for the baby to come and in reference to the upcoming delivery I remarked with courage and a smile, "I'm not anxious. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." My friend's husband said in response, "You know...that's not what that verse means. It doesn't mean you can do all things. It meant that Paul could do all things through Christ."
Well, that wasn't the news I wanted to hear. I politely disagreed. I shook it off at the time but this thought has been sneaking into my mind at the most inconvenient times throughout my life. Can I do all things through Christ who strengthens me? Why is there so much controversy about this subject?
Some preachers say it regularly. Some say it's often misquoted -taken out of context. What is the truth?
Alister Begg at TruthForLife.Org has a good sermon on this verse. Instead of calling the sermon, "I can Do All Things," he calls it, "Contentment in All Circumstances."
"Christian contentment is not dependent on our circumstances."
"Christian contentment is grounded in our union with Jesus."
Phil 3:10 precedes Phil 4:13. "First we need to know Christ, then we can do everything through Christ."
Pastor Begg goes on to say, "If I really know Christ, not just know about Him, then that would radically change the way I view my circumstances."
I agree! If we are growing in our faith, deepening our walk with Christ, we will eventually see our circumstances through a different lens: His lens. Our worldly view should become God's view.
Paul is saying that he has learned to be content in prosperity or lack of prosperity, with humble means.
He goes on to say that he has learned to be content in being filled or going hungry; in abundance or in suffering. He can do all of those things through Christ, who strengthens him. He has learned to be content in all of those circumstances.
This, I believe, is the harder pill to swallow. ALL circumstances? ALL? All is a lot of circumstances. All circumstances include some unfavorable scenarios.
I will go one step further and believe that while Paul is saying that he is content, I believe he is also grateful. Should I take one more step and say that Paul is an example for us to follow? We, too, can be content in all of our circumstances. And grateful by default, knowing that we are never alone and that God is in charge of all of our circumstances.
I came to the conclusion that I can do whatever God calls me to do. And whatever He has called me to do, He will give me the ability to do. I quoted the verse it to myself while giving birth, determined to rely on God for supernatural strength, knowing that I was doing what He had called me to do. So there! I didn't want that seed of discouragement to take root at a very important time in my life. I gave birth to my son, with God's presence, strength and power.
I do believe, however, that God will walk with us through the hills and valleys of our life. He will teach us, if we are teach-able, how to be content in all circumstances. After all, what choice do we really have? We can learn to be content and trust God or we can become bitter and disobedient. I suppose, having been given the choice, I will choose to learn to be content, although, I will admit, I will need help from my Helper, the Holy Spirit. That's what He's for right? To help us, to comfort us. I suppose I can do anything Christ asks me to do, because He will provide the resources via the Holy Spirit to help me accomplish those things.
Thank you Lord, again, for your provision, your wisdom, your comfort, your help, your leading, your Word, and for you: Father God, Jesus our Savior and the Holy Spirit our guide.
photos are stock photos/public domain
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