Understanding Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength."

To understand this very misinterpreted verse, I'm going to present an example from the Bible itself, through a story about a woman experiencing this truth, while its author was probably in diapers.

Think of Elizabeth, Mary's cousin, who gave birth to John the Baptist. She never had any children of her own, and was beyond the age of having children, and yet God gave her a son. That in itself is a miracle, and you know that. But, let me take you deeper into that miracle.

Imagine Elizabeth as your grandmother. She's got to be between 60 and 80 years old. Can you imagine your grandparents having another child? They probably wouldn't be able to handle a crying baby 24/7, right? Long, sleepless nights, taking a 6-pound baby, that is constantly growing, with you wherever you go. What about when that child gets older, and needs more exercise and play time? I know my grandparents have a hard time shopping, let alone staying on top of a toddler, keeping them out of trouble. You might say, "What about the young neighbors around them? Couldn't they help take care of the child?" I'm sure they could, but not day and night. Many people were married and having children at young ages, with a million other chores to do. What is my point?

This example is a perfect comparison for Philippians 4:13. While it may provide comfort, people can, and sometimes do, use it for personal gain, or to justify a wrong. However, I can totally see Elizabeth saying this before Paul did. Not only did God give Elizabeth the ability to bare a son in her old, grandmotherly age, when she had never had a child before, but God also gave her the strength she needed to take care of that child as he grew into a man.

Now, get this:

God strengthened Elizabeth for His purpose, not for Elizabeth's purpose.

That child, named John, led many people on the right path to salvation during his short ministry. One of John's followers was a man named Andrew. He was able to recognize Jesus as the Christ because of his time with Elizabeth's son. And Andrew brought Simon Peter, his brother, to meet Jesus. Andrew also brought the boy with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread to Jesus, who in turn used that to feed over 5,000 people. God used Elizabeth, in her old age, to give him a servant, who in turn discipled a man, who later walked with Jesus, bringing glory to His Name. God gives you strength to obey His will, not to follow your own.

If you wanted to go bungee jumping, saying I can do all things, you're taking it out of context. But if God calls you to minister to people in a country where Christianity is strictly forbidden, He will give the strength to carry out his calling to you. Or, it may be something less dangerous, like raising a child.

You can do all of God's will for your life, through Christ who gives you strength.