I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.                     

                                                            Philippians 4:13 

It can be seen on refrigerator magnets, T-shirts, and plaques, Paul’s reminder that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. In our modern world this verse has been applied to everything from participation in athletic events to job interviews. Personal application of scripture is not wrong; as believers, those truths are there for us to claim. However, it is important for us to understand the context in which Paul wrote those words. He was in jail, being held as a direct result of his faith in Jesus. He had learned the secret of being content in every circumstance in which he would face. Paul understood that his ability to “do all things” came from the strength that God provided through his faith in Jesus and that this ability would not change regardless of the position in which he might find himself. It might be helpful to break this passage down into three parts:

(1) I can do all things…(2) through Christ…(3) who gives me strength.

The ability comes from the supernatural strength provided to those who belong to Jesus. In Ephesians, Paul wanted the church to understand the “surpassing greatness of God’s power toward those who believe” (Ephesians 1:19). This strength comes as we expectantly wait for the Lord (Isaiah 40:31). The strength that comes from the power of God’s Spirit should be a regular part of our prayer life (Ephesians 3:16). So the ability to meet various circumstances in the power of God comes from Him.

Secondly, this ability comes through faith in Christ. Paul had asked God to grant the church spiritual strength so that Christ would dwell in their hearts by faith (Ephesians 3:16-17). It is our faith in Jesus that is the gateway by which we enjoy this supernatural ability. As with most (if not all) of the promises in scripture, Christ is at the center of each truth. He is the One who has made the way for us to enjoy a relationship with God and become recipients of all of the benefits that come from knowing Him.

Thirdly, we see that this strengthening comes from God, on the basis of faith in Christ, and allows us to “do all things.” I believe that faith is the key. Consider the desperation of a father who had a son who was possessed by an evil spirit. His request was that Jesus would do something to help them. During an exchange with this man, Jesus made the declaration that “All things are possible for him who believes” (Mark 9:23). This man’s request was granted and his son was healed. According to Christ Himself, the key to “doing all things” and seeing all possibility in our lives is by faith.

Similarly, we see the woman who was afflicted with a bleeding disorder. Seeing Jesus, she moved toward Him in expectation of being healed. Even before reaching Him she had already determined in her heart and mind that if she could just touch His garment that she would be made well (Matthew 9:21). Her faith preceded her actions. Upon touching His garment, indeed she was made well. Jesus’ words to her ring with the same glorious truth seen throughout the gospels, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well” (Matthew 9:22).

We would do well to understand the context by which Paul was writing this wonderful truth of his ability to “do all things.” This ability would come directly from God as a result of his faith in Christ. We are no different. As believers, we too can be conquerors in every situation in which we face. As we trust in Christ and receive His supernatural ability to move us forward, we too can say with Paul, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”