Philippians 4:13 is on jerseys, mugs and graduation caps. It means even more when you read what Paul was writing about.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Paul learned that in plenty or in need, Christ gives the strength for whatever comes.
KJV10But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
A letter of joy that Paul wrote from prison to a church he loved.
Paul wrote this from prison. In the verses just before, he says he has learned to be content in every situation: “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound… both to be full and to be hungry.”
So “all things” is not first about winning games or reaching goals. It is about enduring anything — poverty or plenty, freedom or chains — without losing faith or joy, because Christ gives the strength.
That is a bigger promise, not a smaller one. Whatever your situation today, Christ can strengthen you to be faithful in it.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Your weakness is the place where God’s grace and power show up most clearly.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Waiting on the Lord renews strength: you will run and not be weary.
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Courage is commanded because God goes with you wherever you go.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
The Lord is strength and shield. Trust turns into help, and help into a song.
That Christ gives strength to remain content and faithful in every circumstance, in need or in plenty (Philippians 4:11-13).
In prison, most likely in Rome, writing to the church in Philippi that had sent him help.
Not wrong, but it is bigger than winning. It is just as true when you lose.