Philippians 4:13

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

This could be one of the most misunderstood and/or abused passages of Scripture in the entire Bible. Far too many Christians use it to “baptize” every effort, plan, striving, or inclination of their heart. We use it to infuse some Heavenly help into our sometimes worldly plans, but that misses the point entirely.

What Philippians 4:13 is:

Through Christ, I can do everything He calls me to do. I can obey His will for my life as revealed in Scripture. I can defeat my sin. I can persevere through my trials. I can suffer humbly through the consequences of my poor choices. I can deny myself and put others first. I can turn the other cheek. I can pray for and submit to those in authority over me. I can reel in my lifestyle in order to sow more abundantly into Kingdom endeavors. I can be slow to speak, slow to anger, and quick to listen.

What Philippians 4:13 is not:

I can do all things through me who gives me strength. God will empower me to chase my dreams and desires and wants. God will empower me to achieve victory in every circumstance, even if it is the result of my sin. God will allow me to become debt-free even while I live in financial mismanagement and sin. God will empower me to thrive in the midst of abandoning my spouse and children.

Philippians 4:13 is an incredibly powerful verse…but only when applied to God’s will for your life, rather than your own.