For over 45 years, I’ve carried a business card-sized reminder in my wallet. A reminder that was given to me by Mom. On the card is a drawing of a lamb, significant for our family at that time since we raised and showed sheep. The reminder is a simple verse from Philippians, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NIV84) That is a wonderful all-star verse.
For me, that verse isn’t so much about doing the miraculous but tackling the hard thing on the horizon. That verse has been an encouragement during many of the challenging unknowns that life has brought thus far. Things such as starting a business (and failing at it), marriage, fatherhood, and releasing our children to follow their own callings. That’s the shortlist. The longer list includes things like taking career-shaping tests, confronting a wrong somewhere, and many other decisions, large and small.
We must, however, also consider why Paul wrote these few words. Philippians is essentially a thank-you letter to a church for supporting his ministry. But just before “I can do everything…” he says – “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.” (Philippians 4:12, NLT) He had learned the secret of contentment no matter my life circumstances: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
It is the later parts of the verse that often get minimized. It’s not “I can do everything.” Meaning that all the weight is on us. No, we can’t do everything. But Christ gives us the strength, hope, faith, love, and grace for our moments of lack and plenty. It takes a strength of faith to live in want and to live in plenty.
This doesn’t lead us, however, to a qué será, será (whatever will be, will be) fatalism. Our attitude is not just putting up with things. We hope in Christ, the Good Shepherd, who will lead us to still waters and green pastures. The Good Shepherd is also there when we need to walk a hard path. The attitude of “whatever will be” is that of sitting down, hoping to survive the turmoil around us. God instead declares us to be overcomers (Romans 8:37).
If you’re in a hopeless place today – Christ is your strength. Grab on and hold tight. He will lead you to a better place. If you have plenty – Christ is your strength. Remember that! It’s easy to forget God when our needs are easily fulfilled. Whatever life throws your way, both small and large, Christ is your strength. His strength surpasses simply surviving but brings us to a place and attitude of overcoming.
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