In a world where achievements, accomplishments, and accolades are celebrated, we all strive to reach the best heights to be recognized in society. We set high standards and we work hard to meet our goals. At times, in the course of completing these goals, we encounter setbacks and challenges that make it difficult to achieve such heights. I have realized that it is mostly during such times of pursuing goals and pursuits that we resolve to harness our faith in Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.“. For example, a student studying for an exam will pray and believe with faith by quoting Philippians 4:13 in order to be encouraged to do well on the exam. A businesswoman or man will quote Philippians 4:13 when they are faced with a business contract that will lead them to their next success level. In short, our resolve to exhibit the “Philippians 4:13 faith” is often when we want to make achievements that are often viewed as a success in society’s view. 

I wonder when Paul mentioned this in his letter to the Church of Philippi, was it in the context of doing something to attain a great achievement?  Although I must say, there is nothing wrong with putting hope and faith in God’s word when we encounter challenges in our quest to achieve success. But  I believe we also need to draw our minds and hearts to this very important revelation Apostle Paul gives us in this text (Philippians 4:13). Before we get to Philippians 4:13, Beloved let us look at Philippians 4:12 “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.”  In this part of his letter, Paul was expressing to the church of Philippi his humble appreciation of their generosity towards him. In the 12th verse, Paul tells them that as a person in Christ, he knows how to survive and thrive in whatever situation that life brought his way. Such situations include whether hungry or full, poor or rich, sick or healthy, etc, he has discovered and become master of how to thrive and survive in all these conditions because of the strength he receives from Jesus Christ.

I believe Paul shared this with the church to encourage them that they could also recieve strength from Christ in whatever situation they faced whether good or bad. Also, he wanted to assure them that Christ was his source in all things and that they need not worry about him but nonetheless he was very grateful and blessed them for their sacrificial giving to him.

Claiming the Philippians 4:13 faith is not only for us when we want to make strides in life but also to remind us as believers in Christ Jesus we can survive and thrive in every situation in our lives. In the lowest point of our lives, we can find sustenance, peace, love, and joy in Christ, we can live through it so can we do in the high points of our lives. God provides strength to keep us in all things and nothing, not persecution or opposition can cause us to shake in our faith in God.

Beloved in Christ, let us remember the words of life in Romans 8:38:

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

No matter what you are going through or happening in your life, remember God’s strength in Christ can keep you. Yes my dear one, you can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives you strength. Stay blessed and always remember that God dearly loves you for He gave His life for you that you may live.