by D.A. Marshall

Created on: August 19, 2009   Last Updated: September 01, 2009

In the Scofield Study System, NIV, Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." In the verses previous to verse 13, Paul spoke about being content in spite of his circumstances. He had reached a point in his relationship with Christ where he could trust the Lord to take care of his needs and lead him through his circumstances. In addition, Paul understood that God equipped him to carry out that to which he was called.

As Christians today, it is important to recognize our need for God in all that we do during our daily lives. It is impossible to fully function without His love, compassion, equipping, and leading. When we try to do anything on our own - work, school, raise children, maintain our marriage, or carry out ministry - we do so at the risk of taking off in a direction other than what God intended for us.

Humbly acknowledging our dependency upon God sets in motion a process during which our faith in Him grows and strengthens. As we pass through each difficulty that comes our way, we are able to see how He moves in our lives and circumstances to pull us through. When the next difficulty arises, we can draw strength and confidence from His movement on our behalf during these previous situations. The difficulties don't stop coming, but our reaction to each new circumstance gradually changes. Eventually, we come to the point where worry and anxiety are not so much a part of our reaction as peace and calm. We know in our hearts that, in spite of how bad a situation is, God is there with us and He will take care of the problem as He did the last one. Paul states in verse 12 that he "has learned the secret of being content in any and every situation." What God made available to Paul is here for us today.

Recognizing God's amazing ability to take care of our needs and see us through difficulties is especially necessary for the time at hand. With the troubled economy, loss of confidence in our leaders, and gloom and doom portrayed non-stop by the media, it is easy to get caught up in the anxiety and negativity we are constantly exposed to. We would be wise to remember the words of Paul, and remind the evil one Whose child we are and that our Father is bigger than any recession, bankruptcy, illness, job loss, temptation, or disappointment.

I CAN do EVERYTHING through HIM who gives me strength. What a powerful proclamation!

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