Day 23 - I Can Do All Things...
- Pastor b.Side
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:12-13
People love the idea that God can empower them to accomplish anything they set their minds to. This belief suggests that God has given us the strength to overcome all obstacles that might prevent us from achieving our personal goals. Is this true? Does the power of Christ enable people to do “all things” to better their lives? To honestly answer these questions and understand the true meaning of this verse, we need to consider the context from which it comes.
“I know how to be abased…”
First, it is important to understand that the Apostle Paul wrote these words while in chains, having been imprisoned for his work in spreading the Gospel. This partially explains why Paul mentioned that he knew how to be content in any situation. As a disciple and servant of Jesus, he acted as a messenger and teacher of the Gospel. This experience brought many hardships. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-30, Paul gave a glimpse of his suffering, describing his frequent imprisonments, multiple beatings, nights without sleep, times without food, and becoming weakened in every way. All of this was a result of the work of the Gospel that God called him to do. However, Paul didn’t only experience suffering; he also went through seasons of success and prosperity. He learned how to live with abundance and material blessings, experiencing times when he was satisfied with his circumstances.
“I have learned both to be full and to be hungry…”
The demands of ministry and serving God’s purposes do not promise only blessings or only suffering. Even though things seemed unpredictable to Paul, he remained faithful to the course God had set for him. This led Paul to realize that he could do “all things.” But what does “all things” actually mean in the right context? Paul was able to persevere through any circumstances necessary to fulfill the eternal and spiritual purposes appointed to him by God. Whether he was wealthy, poor, hungry, full, suffering, or satisfied, Paul stayed committed to God. If Paul needed to endure struggles with hope and encouragement to fulfill his role in the Gospel, God equipped him for it. If he needed to face success with humility and selflessness, God also provided him for that.
“I can do all things…”
Paul explained that it was the power of Jesus Christ that gave him that ability. The strength to handle the ups and downs of genuine Christian living came from Jesus, not from Paul or the situations he faced. As long as Paul kept his focus on Jesus’ eternal and spiritual goals, he was given the same lasting strength as Jesus. The power of Christ allowed Paul to live in accordance with Christ—dying to self for the spiritual good of others, all to the glory of the Father, no matter what the circumstances. That’s how God equips people around the world with the power to do “all things.”
Prayer for today
Our heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us to recognize Your power in our lives. If we are still on the path You have appointed for us, serving Your eternal and spiritual purposes through life’s highs and lows, Your power has enabled us to do so. Help us to appreciate the significance of that subtlety so that we can live with the joy, peace, and encouragement that Paul experienced, no matter the circumstances, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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