All Through Him
All Though Christ
Philippians 4:13 is one of the most overused bible verses ever. Everybody and they momma has it in their Instagram bios, athletes write it on their shoes, people get it tattooed in various designs and patterns. We say it all the time but a lot of times we use it out of the full context. (You know I love context lol).
Before the famous, “I can do all things, blah blah blah…” Paul says some very interesting stuff. For those who didn't know, the Philippians were a group of people Paul was cool with and this is a letter Paul wrote to them. In this section of the letter, Paul was actually thanking the Philippians for giving him money to help him out. Paul thanks them for looking out for him and their generous gifts but goes on to tell them that he really didn’t need it. Now, this is weird cause if you give me a gift of money, I’m definitely not bout to be like I don’t need it. But Paul explains how he has learned to be content with what he has at all times. Paul turns this into a lesson like black parents do when you tell them a story. He goes on to explain how he has been both rich and poor and lived with everything and with nothing, yet he stays content. He has had ups and downs but his secret weapon is Jesus. He went from Saul, a powerful man who persecuted Christians, to Paul a man who in Corinthians talks about being hungry, cold, and homeless and actually boasts about his weaknesses. Paul knew both worlds and had one secret for staying content in both. He simply reminded the Philippines that he can do all things through Christ. Christ was his secret sauce. Christ was the reason he could keep a smile while being tired and discouraged. Christ was his source of strength when he was feeling weak and powerless. Christ. Nothing else. Not his talents or abilities. Not his public image or clout. It was Christ Jesus.
We like to focus on the “I can do“ part when we should be focused on the “through Christ who strengthens”. We interpret this verse so wrong because we tend to forget that without God, we are nothing and can accomplish nothing. We are piles of various shades of dirt and endless disappointment. Paul actually says our best effort on our own is like filthy rags. Jesus is what makes us more than that. Jesus is who turns our mistakes into miracles. Jesus is the only source of happiness in adversity. Jesus Is the only person that can be your light in the darkness. All true strength, happiness, belonging, purpose, energy, talent, and power can only come from Jesus.
In order to be successful and happy, Jesus really needs to be at the center. Jesus not only is the glue that holds our lives together, but He’s also the mastermind behind the whole thing. He knows the beginning from the end, you don't. God has already set up a way when you can’t see one. God has already set up a course for your life to take and you just gotta trust Him. Let Christ live through you and maybe the sharpie on your shoes will actually have some more significance.
You can make it. I know you may be overwhelmed. I know you may be stressed. But God has already done the heavy lifting. Live in His finished work. Let Him take over. Kobe is on your team and all you gotta do is give him the ball.
So how do I get strength in Jesus? I have many devotionals talking about this from many angles but Ima give you the simple answer now: Ask.
Call out to God. Ask Him to take over. He will pour out His spirit and give you the strength, joy, peace, and power you’re craving. Just allow Him to take over and He will give you the desire and power to get through every obstacle life throws at you. Life may get hard, but with Jesus, you have peace even in a storm.
I pray we all receive the power to get through every situation through our reliance on Christ.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:6
