The problem is not what the verse says, but what we think it says. We are often guilty of taking bible verses out of context because we simply don't know that we are. Take it from the girl who has "Philippians 4:13" engraved on the inside of her high school ring, with the mentality, "I can graduate and achieve things past graduation through Christ who gives me strength." Little did I know, I was taking it way out of context.
"I can do all things..."
does not mean that that you can do great, successful things. Here's why: If you take it back a couple of verses you'll read,
"11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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."
And then comes the infamous Philippians 4:13. The word content is used not only once, but twice! "Doing all things" is not a matter of success, but contentment. In other words, you can "handle all things." As the verse says, you can be content "whatever the circumstances" and "in any and every situation". It's about being content in any worry you may be facing! It's about being content even in want. Financial struggles? You can be content. Relationship problems? You can be content. Health concerns? You can be content. Also note that the book Philippians was written by Paul near the end of his prison sentence. Talk about strength in being content! It is not physical strength that Paul is writing about in Philippians 4:13. It is mental strength.
"...through Christ who strengthens me"
tells us that Christ is to be our source of mental strength, not ourselves and not even others. When discontent comes, we are quick to seek a fix, whether it's by staying busy, spending extra time with friends/family or pushing ourselves to greater achievements. Unfortunately, this is how we get it wrong. At the end of the day, we'll realize that these things only temporarily fill the void of discontentment. We need something greater, and that something greater is Christ!
We can be mentally strong and content when we remind ourselves of the greatest gift we've ever received through Christ; our salvation.
Isaiah 12:2 says, "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
We can be mentally strong and content when we remind ourselves that Christ lives inside us through the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 3:16-17 say, "I ask the Father in his great glory to give you the power to be strong inwardly through his Spirit. I pray that Christ will live in your hearts by faith and that your life will be strong in love and be built on love."
Note to self: It is only through Christ that I have the strength to be content.
