Verse
VERSE

Philippians 4:13

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

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What’s Going to Be Enough for You?

A man named Paul wrote these words nearly two thousand years ago from a Roman prison. He was coming to the close of his thank-you letter when he wrote, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

The “him” here is the man who got Paul into prison in the first place. Paul had begun to proclaim all over the known world that the man Jesus of Nazareth, who had died only about 30 years prior and had risen from the dead, was God himself, come to save all who believe in him from their sins. If you were to read Paul’s whole letter, you would find out that Jesus is also the source of Paul’s joy in suffering and his hope in life and death.

People often read this verse thinking Paul was saying, “I can do absolutely anything I set my mind to do—possible or impossible—because God is on my side.” But in reality, as the old man writes from jail, speaking about physical needs that were met by his friends, he is expressing that the Jesus who saved him from sin can sustain him whether he is hungry or full, abounding or lacking. Whether rich or poor, hungry or well-fed, Jesus is enough.

What would be enough for you in your life? If you were in jail, without food and chilled without proper clothes, what would be enough for you? If you had just eaten at the best restaurant, would you be satisfied? Think of your best experience. Did it leave you contented? Think of your worst experience. What was enough for you? Is it still enough?

Jesus Christ, Paul says, is the savior of the world, and we desperately need him to be so. But in this letter, Paul wants us to know that he is the joy of our hearts in life and death, strong enough for the worst and best of circumstances.

To know this contentment and joy is to know Jesus. Do you know him?

by Bibles.net

Compare Versions

ESV

 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

CSB

I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.

NLT

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

NIV

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

KJV

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

NKJV

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
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