What’s Going to Be Enough for You?

by Bibles.net
| Time: 2 Minutes

What’s going to be enough for you? What do you believe you need to make it through life? We find one answer to this question in Philippians 4:13:

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (ESV)

The Context of Philippians 4:13

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 these words.

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.

What Philippians 4:13 Means

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.

He is expressing that the Jesus who saved him from sin can sustain him whether he is hungry or full, abounding or lacking.

What Will Be Enough for You?

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?

Author
Share this article

Do you have questions about what the Bible says, or about your relationship with God? Start a conversation with one of our responders who is ready and willing to answer your questions!

Learn More
Philippians 4:13
Now that you have finished a short introduction, keep learning by exploring other resources on this topic.