Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.”

Many people have heard this verse before, but is it understood? These few words can be the beginning of any healing process, any period of pain or suffering, a time when you might feel weak or unable to handle a tough situation, or it may simply help you recognize and understand God’s power in your life. 

So how do you grab this scripture and make it your own? First, internalize it. Know what each word means, and how it will find a place in your heart to dwell. This scripture states God will “strengthen me.” Therefore, there must be times in life when we will be weak. Otherwise, there would be no need for Him to take us over life’s hurdles.

Second, the verse states, “I can do ALL things.” It doesn’t say some things or a few things, but ALL things. That is powerful. It means that there is not a trial, a decision, a circumstance, a disappointment, or a pain too large for God to handle. He has it covered! Yes, He is in your corner, but it is up to you to ask for His strength. He is waiting, but you have to reach out and grab hold of what He has for you and the grace that He will pour down upon you. He does not want to see you suffer, and He definitely does not want you to be dependent on yourself and never seek to find Him. Rest assured, without Him, your life will not be filled with the blessings that He has in store for you.

So how do you get closer to God? Talk to Him, build a relationship that is touched upon throughout each day, and you will be able to see how He carries your load, and gives you the necessary strength to make it through.  Just like talking to friends is a constant occurrence through good and bad times, talking and having a relationship with God is the same. He wants us to share the little and big things with Him because He is interested in all that we are, and He also knows that one day we will need His strength and comfort in ways that we cannot imagine, just as the verse stated.

One thing to remember about His strength is that it cannot be specific based on our own definition of what we think we need. Strength is given to us freely and is determined by God’s understanding of what we need in our lives, not our own understanding. In other words, when we ask for His help and guidance, we must know within our hearts that He has heard us and has given us all that we need, even though we may not feel any different or any stronger. His word is true. He will not fail you. If you’ve asked, He’s heard you and He’s answered you. Now you must move forward with this renewed strength given to you. You WILL make it through. He is with you, holding you up, and leading you to the next step in your life’s journey.