“I Can Do”
When the chips are down we reach into the box of our favorite scriptures and pull out Philippians 4:10. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” NIV When we lack resources we remind ourselves that God is able to supply our needs.
It is always important to check the context of any verse that we are seeking to apply to our lives. The context helps us understand the intention of the verse. This is especially true with our verse in Philippians. What is the context?
The Philippian Christians have sent Paul a gift of money. He is thankful but explains that he has learned to be content no matter what he has or doesn’t have. He says, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Phil 4:12-13, NIV)
As I meditated on these words I began to wonder which state: in need or plenty, do I need God’s strength most? Normally I think of relying on God when I lack, but perhaps the biggest challenge is when we have plenty. We are tempted to go it alone. We leave our humble state of dependence upon God and do it solo. Faith is not needed. We are in control…that is until we run into a dead end and realize our need again. Perhaps to live in plenty takes more God-strength than we realize.
Where do you find yourself today—in plenty or in need? Whatever condition you find yourself in, lean deeply into God who can supply you with all you need to live fully for him.
When the chips are down we reach into the box of our favorite scriptures and pull out Philippians 4:10. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” NIV When we lack resources we remind ourselves that God is able to supply our needs.
It is always important to check the context of any verse that we are seeking to apply to our lives. The context helps us understand the intention of the verse. This is especially true with our verse in Philippians. What is the context?
The Philippian Christians have sent Paul a gift of money. He is thankful but explains that he has learned to be content no matter what he has or doesn’t have. He says, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Phil 4:12-13, NIV)
As I meditated on these words I began to wonder which state: in need or plenty, do I need God’s strength most? Normally I think of relying on God when I lack, but perhaps the biggest challenge is when we have plenty. We are tempted to go it alone. We leave our humble state of dependence upon God and do it solo. Faith is not needed. We are in control…that is until we run into a dead end and realize our need again. Perhaps to live in plenty takes more God-strength than we realize.
Where do you find yourself today—in plenty or in need? Whatever condition you find yourself in, lean deeply into God who can supply you with all you need to live fully for him.
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