Nov 9, 2025 “When God Is Enough”(Philippians 4:11-13)

Philippians 4:11-13 New International Version

¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

¹² 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.

¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

When God Is Enough

Philippians 4:11-13

 

Many Christians are familiar with Phillipians 4:13.  

 

Philippians 4:13 ESV

[13] I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

 

However, reality might come in, we will see this verse in a different context. We need consider the context and who wrote this.

 

Paul wrote this while he was in prison. His coworkers had abandoned him, and he did not have freedom like he had. We need to look at verse 11 to have a better idea of what Paul meant in verse 13.

 

Philippians 4:11 ESV

[11] Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  

 

Paul was not a content man. He had always strived for more. He was zealous for God and did much. Paul knew what it was to have much and not enough, and through God, he learned to be content with what he had.

 

Paul is not telling us to just give up and be happy with our current situation.  Paul is encouraging us to change with God's help. We should strive to be better, but we should also know whether we have success or failure, God is with us.

 

Paul was not talking about winning every battle and having victory in every effort. Paul was talking about the content of knowing God is with him. It didn't matter what his circumstance was. It didn't matter that he was trapped in prison. What mattered was that he knew God, was saved. What mattered was that God loved him.

 

If you insist that Phillipians 4:13 means you will have victory in every effort you take on, you will be very disappointed. You will also miss the blessing of allowing God to be enough.  

 

We like to think that God thinks like us and will give us what we want. However, we need to understand that God does not always give us situations we want. Many could say that if God was all powerful, why couldn't God free Paul. Yet, Paul could be content because God knew and loved Paul. Paul was free in prison even in chains. Paul knew that God was enough. He did not have to compare himself to anyone else, but trust in God who was enough for him.

 

The same God who gave Paul the strength and comfort to overcome all circumstances can also help you. God is love, and He wants you to put your faith in Him. God will help you be content in all circumstances and help you overcome.  

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