Philippians 4:13 is the favorite verse of many Christians. The backdrop of this verse comes from the apostle Paul. He has been beat up and stuffed in prison many times. Some think Paul spent as much as 40% of his ministry in chains, under house arrest, and some much worse conditions. This is all because he is telling others about Jesus being the loving Savior. As he writes the Christians in the city of Philippi he is trying to encourage them as well as share his “faith position” with them because they too are suffering (Philippians 1:27-30).
In Philippians 4:10-13 Paul writes about how he values and evaluates his physical circumstances as opposed to his beautiful spiritual relationship he has with Jesus now – and then on into eternity. This great servant of the Lord writes, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked an opportunity to act. Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:10-13).
What does “I can do all things” mean? Do what? Answer: the context is speaking of Paul’s ability to ENDURE hardship because of his relationship with Jesus AND because Paul knows Jesus is with him every step of the way AND because Paul knows Jesus is intimately involved in his life. Paul was not on his own. In Philippians 1:19 he writes of the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ = providence of God. Nothing in Paul’s life is an accident – he knows God will bring blessings even through his unjust imprisonment. See Philippians 1:12-14.
Anyway, we might think “I can’t do it!” We might say “I won’t be able…” We may believe there is no hope! It’s all bad! How can any good come out of my life problems? I say it won’t happen BUT by faith I KNOW God can make it happen. Reread Philippians 4:10-13. Then watch and listen to a heart-grabbing video entitled Say I Won’t.