Click here for audio.  Listen to “Strength in Life”

Is anyone truly happy where they are?  You know the saying, the grass is always greener on the other side.  All of us, at some point or in some area of our lives, look at what we have and then sneak a peek over to “the other side.”  The other side always looks better.  It could be a different job, family, church, or lot in life.  We are driven to want what we don’t have.  In some areas of life, we’ve been able to climb the fence or cross the bridge to get to the “greener” side.  What do we usually find?  The grass isn’t as green as it appeared and there are thistles and rocky areas that couldn’t be seen from a distance.

This leads me to a much-overused Bible verse.  No doubt you’ve heard it.  I have found it encouraging at times and at other times it’s caused me to roll my eyes.  It’s one of the most quoted verses in the Bible.  Which one is it?

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. – Philippians 4:13 KJV

What does it really mean?  Can I tackle a Guinness world record if I want to or run a marathon?  Maybe it’s the ability to juggle a ridiculous number of commitments between home, work, family, church, hobbies, and so on (if you think that, you need to read “The Peach Tree” post).  To find out, we need to look at the verse in context.  That means looking at the verses before and even after verse 13.  You may be surprised by what you find.  Let’s read a bit more of Paul’s thoughts before he penned those words.

¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.
Indeed, you were concerned,
but you had no opportunity to show it.
¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need,
for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
¹² I know what it is to be in need,
and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry,
whether living in plenty or in want.
¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

What are the “all things” (KJV) or “all this” (NIV) to which Paul refers?  He provides a list of his past and present circumstances.  He has experienced need, plenty, abundance of food, hunger, plenty, and want.  These are all situations he experienced in everyday life.  What did he learn?  It’s stated twice; once in verse 11 and once in 12.  He learned to be content no matter what his circumstances were.  How did he do that?  What is the secret?  That’s where verse 13 comes in.  Christ gives us the strength to live life where we are. 

So many times we gaze, fixated on the “greener” side, and completely miss the purpose that God has for us.  He has placed you where you are for a reason.  You are to use your gifts and be God’s conduit to those around you.  God doesn’t make mistakes.  Don’t miss out on your purpose.  Remember Philippians 4:13, Christ gives you the strength to live life where you are with what you have.

The Biblical concept of strength and power is very interesting and quite different than what most would think.  For example, I’ll let you think up an ending for Colossians 1:11.  Then at the very end of the post you can click on the link to see the real ending.  What would be a typical ending to this kind of phrase:

…¹¹ being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may…

I’d love to hear what you came up with.  Words like “all power” and “glorious might” make me think of some really BIG capabilities – like conquering something.

The Greek words used for strengthen in Colossians and Philippians convey a sense of dependence.  This is not something we can do on our own.  It expresses God’s empowering, sharing His power-ability, imparting ability, making able.¹  Take a look at these verses this week with this definition in mind.  You can’t do it on your own.  The Lord is the only one who can give you the ability.  (Even if it says “be strong,” the Greek indicates the strength doesn’t come from ourselves!)

– Ephesians 6:10-18
– Romans 4:18-25
– Colossians 1:9-14
– 1 Timothy 1:12-17
– 2 Timothy 4:16-18

Would some brave person be willing to share their thoughts or experiences with me?  I’d love to have an actual exchange.  I’m so sad that I missed out on all the comments the first week due to the comment section not working properly.  Many of you have told me you tried.  Please, reply again!

– What represents your “greener” side?
– Have you ever crossed over to the “greener” side?  If so, what was your experience?
– Did this post change your view of Philippians 4:13?
– What kind of strengthening do you need right now?

Don’t forget to check out the ending of Colossians 1:11 by clicking here!

¹ Strong’s Concordance:  1743, 1412