I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. – Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
Click here for printable verse cards: Week 29 – Printable Cards
Theme: Trusting God’s Plan and Knowing He’s in Control
Laura Wilkinson, a US diver in the 2000 Olympics, was interviewed live after winning a Gold medal in a stunning come from behind victory. When asked how she did it, she responded with Philippians 4:13 and said “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” In a very self-centered and self-promoting world, how nice to see someone humbly giving credit where it’s due.
As we mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Paul had been through a lot by the time he wrote this letter to the Philippians. He had been stoned (and left for dead), whipped with 39 lashes five different times, shipwrecked, thrown in prison twice, hunted by people who wanted to kill him, beaten with rods, betrayed, and he had an affliction (“thorn” in his flesh) that God did not heal. Yet despite all of his suffering, Paul’s message to the Philippians was that he had found the secret to contentment in all situations, and that secret was his knowledge that he “can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth” him. That’s the secret for us as well.
Just for good measure, here’s a final word of encouragement also from Paul: “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
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