I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.     Philippians 4:13

It’s easy to read this and think that God will give us the strength to do all we need to do. But what Paul is really saying here is that when God calls us to go through hard times, He will give us the strength we need to do what He has called us to do.

No one knew more about personal suffering than Paul. Remember Paul had previously been Saul and he had gone around persecuting Christians. He thought he was right in doing so, but Jesus confronted him on the road to Damascus and told him otherwise.

Paul had suffered through being stoned, shipwrecked, and had spent much of his time ministering from within prison walls.

So, before you pull this verse out of context and think that God gives us strength to do whatever we want to do or think we need to do, let’s look at the verses before it. He is telling the Philippians how grateful he is for them remembering him and being generous by taking care of him in his time of need.

In verse 12, he said, “I know both how to have a little and how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content-whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.” This is the verse before our Scripture passage. And in verse 14, Paul tells the Philippians, “Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship.”

Paul found his contentment in Christ. He found strength and power in Christ. This is where we should find our contentment, strength and power.

This verse doesn’t mean that God will give us the strength to win a powerlifting competition or to run a marathon simply because we want to. These things require time and training.

But when God calls us out of our comfort zone to do His work, you can be assured that He will give you the strength you need.

Jesus said we would have trouble here on earth. He never candy-coated it. He said in John 16:33 that we will have suffering in this world but to be courageous because He has conquered the world.

It takes a lot of strength to be a Christian. We have to deny the flesh. We have to do things His way not the world’s way. We have to go against our own selfish desires. We have to deny ourselves. This isn’t an easy thing to do. But have no fear, because He will give you the strength you need to get through it. And once you build your faith and learn to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), you won’t want to live any other way.

Paul relied on God’s strength as he endured some hard times during his ministry. Paul had surrendered his life to Christ. And Christ gave Him the strength he needed to endure. He will do the same for you and me, if we only ask.

We are told in 1 Peter 5:8 to be aware and be alert because the devil roams around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Don’t let that someone be you. Rely on the Lord and His great strength. Trust in Him. The devil will tempt us, but God will give us what we need to withstand that temptation.

We are told in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that no temptation has overtaken us except that which is common to man. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.

Surrender your life to Him. Live in the shelter He provides. Rely on His power and strength to do what He has called you to do. He will give you the strength you need.

Have a great day!