“I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 HCSB)

It is difficult to truly understand today’s Scripture if we don’t look at it in the context in which it was written.  It’s easy to take a verse of Scripture and give it our own spin to meet our agenda.  This is why Christ’s church has divided itself into many denominations, sects, and cults.  As Christians, we must remember that the church is not a temple, but those who have made a public profession of faith in Christ, and have been baptized, according to God’s commands.

To fully understand today’s Scripture, lets take a look at what the Apostle Paul said in the verses preceding today’s.  Her’s what he said:

“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship (Philippians 4:10-14 HCSB).”

Paul was thanking the church in Philippi for caring for him while he was on his missionary journey.  The church found out that Paul was suffering great need for the basic necessities of life, so they came together and sent him what he needed to be able to continue on.  Paul told them that, although he had learned to be content in poverty as in wealth, in having little, or having much, they did the right thing by supporting him financially so that he could continue in his work.  He told them that because Christ lived in him, Christ gave him the strength and power to do God’s will, and to endure all kinds of sufferings as he went about doing God’s will.

Paul revealed to the Philippians, and to us today, that we must learn to be content with what Jesus gives us, or does not give us, because through our sufferings, He will give others the opportunity to support us as we are on mission with Him; and through that, bless the givers immensely. Look at what he says about that:

“For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen (Philippians 4:16-20 HCSB).”

To go along with this, Jesus Himself teaches us the following:

“So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you (Matthew 6:31-33 HCSB).”

As we go about His business, God will not only supply the strength and power we need to continue on, but He will also supply our every necessity for life, no matter the circumstances we may be suffering. Do you believe Jesus’ promise?

So, then,

• how will we obey today’s Scriptures?
• With whom will we share today’s Scriptures?
• With whom will we share the story of our salvation and the story of what Jesus has done for us?

In Christ’s love,

Phil