I Can Do All Things Through Christ That Strengthens Me

What does that really mean?  This seems to be a very misunderstood verse and seems to be taken out of context far too often.  This verse isn’t talking about reaching yours, or my, goals and this isn’t talking about what we hope to accomplish, this is talking about having true contentment.  

Think about Paul’s life, he had the joy of the Lord.  Remember when Paul and Silas were in Philippi, in prison, what does the Bible say they were doing?  They were praising the Lord, they were content, they were at peace, they had the joy of the Lord, like I said; and why is that important?   Let me answer that, this way, “The joy of the Lord is our strength.”  

Paul learned to be content in all situations, please read Philippians 4:10-13, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

This may bother some people and it is a little facetious, but the way people interpret this verse you might say you can jump off a high bridge into raging water and come close to drowning, then just fly back up onto the bridge again and walk away smelling like a rose.  Think about it, I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.  I wouldn’t advise anyone to try jumping.  

God gives us the strength to accomplish whatever His will is for our life. This isn’t a free pass for just any reason that we can think of to accomplish our goals and desires.  Think of this, Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and it transformed his life forever.  Jesus took first place in his life from then on and there seemed to be nothing or no one else who could occupy that place in Paul’s life.  It seems like since that day Paul had a peace and contentment about all the situations and circumstances he found himself in, and that is what he was trying to convey when he said I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength or strengthens me.  

Please read 2 Corinthians 11:22-33, “Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.”

Now please read 2 Corinthians 12:10, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

In every trial Paul received the strength to endure it and he seemed to rejoice in and through it because in some way he would further God’s kingdom.  And that helped Paul to be even more content in every situation he found himself in.  As I am typing this out, thinking about my complaining about trivial things, it makes me feel ashamed of my walk with the Lord.  I guess it all comes down to our perspectives and the way we look at, and compare what we have experienced, to others.  I know we are not to compare ourselves to other people, but only to the Lord; but then none of us could boast, we would all be left wanting!!

Enough said, may you all have a super day, and may the good Lord bless you all abundantly.  I hope this has been a blessing and encouragement to one and all who read it.  If you haven’t yet today, don’t forget to thank and praise the Lord, because He is worthy!!