THROUGH CHRIST

For I can do everything
through Christ,
who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 NLT
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If we isolate the first phrase of this verse by its self, it sounds like absolute arrogance. No one “can do everything.” Furthermore, “everything” we can do in our own strength, is not always beneficial to ourselves or others.

The second phrase “through Christ,” is the heart of this verse and sets the parameter of what we can do. Whatever comes through our Lord is always good, and is a blessing to everyone it touches, and brings honor to God.

“I can do everything through Christ” does NOT mean we can do anything and everything we want to. Our desires can often be self-serving and have nothing to do with honoring God. Our perfect Lord will not “give us strength” to fulfill carnal and selfish desires.

Paul wrote these words while he was in a Roman jail for preaching the Gospel. These words are part of a thank you letter to the Philippians who supported him with gifts while he was in prison. He had just written “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” Then adds, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Through the strength that Christ gives, we can learn the secret of living victoriously in every situation – poverty or riches, (and I believe) in poor health or the peek of health. Often with financial prosperity and good health come inclinations to ignore God. We feel we are pretty much in control. There is victory over that temptation - “through Christ, who gives us strength.” On the other hand, financial need and poor health have a way of bringing discouragement and depression with them. But "through the strength that Christ gives, we can learn the secret of living" above those negative feelings and emotions!

By faith, we can join Paul in declaring, "I CAN DO EVERYTHING THROUGH CHRIST, WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH!!"