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.
