What Do You Mean, I Can Do All Things?
Philippians 4:10-13
On Wednesday nights we’re studying The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. I recommend it highly for everyone, especially young Christians and the youth. In the book, there is a senior demon, Screwtape, who is mentoring a young nephew demon (his name is Wormwood) and he is mentoring him on how to craftily deceive people away from God.
In last week’s letter, the senior demon Screwtape is writing to the young demon Wormwood about whether certain topics or circumstances are good or bad from hell’s perspective for people to experience. And the younger demon is asking if getting a person into a certain circumstance would help hell’s cause – or not. And in response to this question of whether a situation or circumstance would be to hell’s benefit or not, the senior demon, Screwtape, writes the following. (If you grasp this you will understand the critical importance of this message.)
“Can’t you see there’s no answer? Nothing matters at all except the tendency of a given state of mind, in given circumstances, to move a particular [person] at a particular moment nearer to [God] or nearer to [Hell].”
According to Lewis – in hell’s view – no circumstance or situation in and of itself particularly matters. The only thing that matters is our state of mind in that circumstance moving us closer to God or further away from God. That’s all that matters.
So today we are going to look at one of the most quoted verses in the New Testament and unfortunately, it is also one of the most often misquoted verses in the New Testament. I have seen this verse used for everything from winning high school football games, to building large corporations to achieving any goal that a person would want. And we see this verse stamped on everything imaginable – jewelry, posters, bumper stickers, etc. And I guess I should say if you have this verse tattooed on you, or if it is your favorite verse, I’m not being hard on you, or hard on this verse. This is a great verse.
Unfortunately, in our self-focused, circumstance-based Christian culture, this verse is just used out of context. But actually, the power of this famous verse is in the context that it was written in. (Which is where the power of every verse in the Bible is.) Not being pulled out to imply something that it just doesn’t mean, but instead to really understand what the context is that famous verses are written in.
So we can’t just read this famous verse, we have to approach it in context, which is the only correct way to interpret and apply God’s Word to our lives. So we will pick up the context in Philippians 4:10.
Philippians 4:10 (NLT)
10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me.
The context of this upcoming famous verse is actually Paul’s financial need – the financial difficulty that Paul is living in. And he is beginning to thank the Philippians for their renewed financial support to care for him. And Paul very much appreciates their support, but there is something much bigger going on. And Paul wants to use this opportunity to teach the church and us, one of the biggest secrets there is in living the Christian life.
That’s why I am teaching this verse today. We, as a church, me personally and I know many of you have been experiencing some very difficult times lately. And I am so “overwhelmingly blessed” that this church has grown so strong in these past years in its genuine care for one another, for me, and for what God is doing here. We are in a very strong spiritual condition as a church right now and we are also (at the same time) in some very difficult physical circumstances.
I believe God is preparing to do some of his biggest and most visible miracles on our behalf ever, and right while we are on the verge of God beginning what may be the most incredible work he has done through us since we came here fifteen years ago. At the very same time, we are in difficulty financially. We are in difficulty handling the ministry load and I personally have just gone through one of the most difficult physical times of my life. So, we are right where Paul was; in difficulty with God doing great things, right at the same time.
And so in verse 11, Paul begins the teaching that is so crucial for us to hear right now. And (like I said) verse 11 begins one of the biggest secrets of the true Christian life. Paul is about to address a mystery. It’s a mystery especially to the American Church culture because it is a mystery that can only be learned in suffering. THIS is the secret source of strength for a Christian/ But most often it is a secret we can only learn as we go through the difficult circumstances and trials of this life.
The secret that Paul shares with us today he learned through circumstances and through suffering and through trials. And it is a secret that we need to learn today.
Paul introduces the secret in Philippians 4:11.
Philippians 4:11 (NLT)
11 Not that I was ever in need (meaning feeling a ‘personal need’), for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.
Paul WAS in physical need, but he begins this verse by saying, Not that I was ever personally AFFECTED by being in need.
Because he says, I have learned . . . Note that. The word “learn” means literally, “I have come to understand.” It implies, “I have learned by experience.”
Paul says, “I have come to understand – by experience – how to be content.”
Oh man, that is what we need, isn’t it? We need to learn how to be content.
But look at the definition of the word translated “content” because it is probably not what you think. This Greek word means “independent of external circumstances.” That is the literal definition of the word here. We think content means to be “happy, at peace, fulfilled.” But here this word translated “content” means independent of external circumstances.
Paul is saying, “I have learned by experience – how to Live independent of my circumstances.”
That is the secret that Paul had learned through his experience of walking with Jesus, through the trials and tribulations of this life.
If I were to ask how many of us have learned to live independent of our external circumstances not many hands would go up because our circumstances tend to dictate our lives.
Good Circumstances = Good life
Bad Circumstances = NOT SO GOOD life.
But God says the secret of living in Christ is learning how to live independent of our circumstances. That is learning to be content and that is what we so badly need.
So, at the end of verse 11, Paul is saying, “I have learned – by my experience with Jesus - how to live independent of my external circumstances.”
THAT is actually the miraculous secret that Paul had learned and then he builds on it in verse 12.
Philippians 4:12 (NLT)
12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Look right in the middle of that verse. I have learned the secret of living in every situation.
I have learned the secret of living on almost nothing or with everything – with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or with little.
Paul says I’ve learned to not question God in bad circumstances and I’ve learned to not forget God in good circumstances. I have learned the secret of being content – living independent of my external circumstances - and then look closely at that word “learned.” The definition of this Greek word is “to learn the secret of something through personal experience, or to learn a mystery.”
And this is a mystery, right? For us to learn to live in Christ, truly independent of our external circumstances… is a mystery. But Paul learned it, and you and I can learn it.
Remember Paul has made it clear, he learned this mystery in the midst of his difficult circumstances. But it’s not just by (or because of) his circumstances. It was by Paul’s commitment to knowing Christ more and more in the midst of his circumstances.
So, before we get to this most famous verse 13, let’s turn back one chapter to Philippians Chapter 3.
In Philippians Chapter 3 is my life’s verse, and I promise you, this is the secret to the secret. This is how Paul learned the secret of Philippians 4:13.
Let’s look closely at just two verses in Chapter 3. Paul is in the midst of his “Life’s Testimony.” He is explaining how totally and completely his life has been transformed by Jesus Christ.
And Paul says in Philippians 3:8,
Philippians 3:8 (NLT)
8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ
Look at the all-consuming “life-focus” there. Everything else is worthless when compared to the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. That “everything else” includes every circumstance and every situation and God’s Word says NONE of it compares to the infinite value of knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord. And then Paul condenses the HOW – that is the secret to the secret. This was the commitment that allowed Paul to learn the secret that we hear so often in Philippians 4:13.
Philippians 3:10 (NLT)
10 I want to know Christ . . .
That’s my life verse – those 5 words – I want to know Christ!
In every circumstance, in every situation. In the good times and in the bad times. My goal is not for Jesus to fix my circumstances. My goal is to know him more and more in the midst of my circumstances.
This word “know” is my favorite Greek word – Ginosko. It means “To have an ever-increasing, experiential knowledge.” It implies an “ever-deepening – ever-increasing RELATIONSHIP with Jesus - as my Lord, my Savior, and my Friend” in every circumstance and every situation. Above and beyond anything else, I want to know Jesus more, no matter what this life takes me through. I want to experience his power and I want to experience his fellowship in the midst of whatever I am in the midst of.
And then Paul finishes Philippians 3:10 by describing the extent to which his desire to know Christ goes.
Philippians 3:10 (NLT)
10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,
I want to KNOW Christ in his most incredible POWER.
I want to KNOW Christ in his most incredible SUFFERING.
I want to KNOW the same VICTORIOUS POWER that RAISED Jesus from the dead
and
I want to KNOW the WORST of his suffering that led even to his death.
These are the extremes of life taken from the context of Jesus’ life.
In the very BEST and VICTORIOUS circumstance, in the very WORST and DEFEATING circumstance, every WHERE and in ALL things – NOTHING compares with the infinite value of knowing Jesus Christ AS your Lord . . .
Knowing him more and more, walking with him closer and closer, experiencing the power and the peace of his presence in every circumstance and in every situation, that is the HOW to the most prized secret of Philippian 4:13. The commitment Paul had to know Christ in the midst of every circumstance is how he got to the secret of Philippians 4:13.
So now, turn back to Philippians 4. With that background and with that understanding, we can now hear Paul say in this famous verse,
Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
13 For I can do everything (all things) through Christ, who gives me strength.
This is a great and encouraging verse, but even more great and encouraging when we understand it in its context.
Listen to this famous verse in the Amplified Bible.
Philippians 4:13 (AMP)
13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me . . . ]
I have STRENGTH for ALL things THROUGH Christ
Who EMPOWERS me
Who INFUSES inner strength into me.
I can be ready for ANY circumstance – ANY situation through my “ever-deepening – ever-increasing RELATIONSHIP with Jesus as my Lord, my Savior, and my Friend.”
Because HE empowers me with HIS strength, he INFUSES me with His INNER strength. When verse 13 says, “Who gives me strength” it means literally “To pour into.” It is Jesus “pouring in” however much strength and grace are needed for this circumstance. Through your ever-increasing relationship with Jesus, he will pour into you however much of his strength and his peace and his grace as you need.
Let me give you two literal translations of Philippians 4:13.
Newberry’s Greek N.T. – Philippians 4:13
“I am strong for all things in Christ who empowers me”
Phillips Literal – Philippians 4:13
“I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within me,”
The real secret is us getting to the place where Jesus Christ CAN pour his power and peace and grace into us right in the midst of any circumstance. The real secret is getting to the place where we can truly say, “Lord, I am completely in your hands. Whatever happens, I know you will empower me. I know you will pour your strength into me - and your Strength is MORE than sufficient – for ANY situation.”
But guys, this level of living in Christ doesn’t come by us just snapping our fingers and quoting a famous Bible verse. To be able to truly say, I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength . . . you have to actually BE at the depth of a personal relationship where Jesus can pour his life and his power and his strength into you.
The problem is – we want the secret without the relationship. We want the benefit of this verse just by quoting this verse. But this secret in the Christian life ONLY comes through an “ever-deepening – ever-increasing RELATIONSHIP with Jesus - as your Lord, your Savior, and your Friend” in order to live in the secret Paul reveals in Philippians 4:13.
First, we have got to learn to draw on the inner resources of Jesus Christ living in us. Then we can say, “I am ready for anything because of the strength of the one who lives in me.” But if we don’t have that real, ever-increasing relationship we will never be able to access the power needed to be able to live in this promise.
All that we need to live content, to live independent of our circumstances, is in Christ and comes through an ever-increasing relationship with Christ, and in and through that ever-increasing relationship with Christ, Jesus empowers us. He pours all that we need into our lives for us to “be strong for all things” and for us to be able to live “independent of our circumstances.”
And so that changes the goal for the true follower of Christ. That changes what we focus on. We are no longer asking Jesus to fix our circumstances every day, but instead, we are committed to knowing Jesus in the midst of our circumstances every day.
Please hear this: The Lord is NOT as interested in fixing your circumstances – as he is in using your circumstances – to FIX YOU.
God is at work for your good right in the middle of the circumstance that you are in right now. (Romans 8:28) But we have to join him in what he is doing, not fight him to just fix our circumstances.
So, today, let’s make a life’s commitment to NOT be driven BY our circumstances. But instead, to be driven by our desire to know Jesus more and more in the midst of our circumstances.
In all things may we desire to know Christ and have him pour his power, and his peace and his grace into our lives, according to what he knows is best for us.
May we set our eyes and our focus far beyond our circumstances – even to eternity. And may we learn to walk with Jesus in the light of 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.
2 Corinthians 4:17–18 (NLT)
17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!
18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
If you are a Christian today, Jesus Christ has given you eternal life. You are no longer a citizen of this world or bound by the circumstances of this world. We live in the light of his glory and grace as citizens of heaven.
May that be our focus and the more it is, the more our circumstances will fade from being top priority in our lives and the more we will be able to say with Paul,
Philippians 4:13 (AMP)
13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me . . . ]
In last week’s letter, the senior demon Screwtape is writing to the young demon Wormwood about whether certain topics or circumstances are good or bad from hell’s perspective for people to experience. And the younger demon is asking if getting a person into a certain circumstance would help hell’s cause – or not. And in response to this question of whether a situation or circumstance would be to hell’s benefit or not, the senior demon, Screwtape, writes the following. (If you grasp this you will understand the critical importance of this message.)
“Can’t you see there’s no answer? Nothing matters at all except the tendency of a given state of mind, in given circumstances, to move a particular [person] at a particular moment nearer to [God] or nearer to [Hell].”
According to Lewis – in hell’s view – no circumstance or situation in and of itself particularly matters. The only thing that matters is our state of mind in that circumstance moving us closer to God or further away from God. That’s all that matters.
So today we are going to look at one of the most quoted verses in the New Testament and unfortunately, it is also one of the most often misquoted verses in the New Testament. I have seen this verse used for everything from winning high school football games, to building large corporations to achieving any goal that a person would want. And we see this verse stamped on everything imaginable – jewelry, posters, bumper stickers, etc. And I guess I should say if you have this verse tattooed on you, or if it is your favorite verse, I’m not being hard on you, or hard on this verse. This is a great verse.
Unfortunately, in our self-focused, circumstance-based Christian culture, this verse is just used out of context. But actually, the power of this famous verse is in the context that it was written in. (Which is where the power of every verse in the Bible is.) Not being pulled out to imply something that it just doesn’t mean, but instead to really understand what the context is that famous verses are written in.
So we can’t just read this famous verse, we have to approach it in context, which is the only correct way to interpret and apply God’s Word to our lives. So we will pick up the context in Philippians 4:10.
Philippians 4:10 (NLT)
10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me.
The context of this upcoming famous verse is actually Paul’s financial need – the financial difficulty that Paul is living in. And he is beginning to thank the Philippians for their renewed financial support to care for him. And Paul very much appreciates their support, but there is something much bigger going on. And Paul wants to use this opportunity to teach the church and us, one of the biggest secrets there is in living the Christian life.
That’s why I am teaching this verse today. We, as a church, me personally and I know many of you have been experiencing some very difficult times lately. And I am so “overwhelmingly blessed” that this church has grown so strong in these past years in its genuine care for one another, for me, and for what God is doing here. We are in a very strong spiritual condition as a church right now and we are also (at the same time) in some very difficult physical circumstances.
I believe God is preparing to do some of his biggest and most visible miracles on our behalf ever, and right while we are on the verge of God beginning what may be the most incredible work he has done through us since we came here fifteen years ago. At the very same time, we are in difficulty financially. We are in difficulty handling the ministry load and I personally have just gone through one of the most difficult physical times of my life. So, we are right where Paul was; in difficulty with God doing great things, right at the same time.
And so in verse 11, Paul begins the teaching that is so crucial for us to hear right now. And (like I said) verse 11 begins one of the biggest secrets of the true Christian life. Paul is about to address a mystery. It’s a mystery especially to the American Church culture because it is a mystery that can only be learned in suffering. THIS is the secret source of strength for a Christian/ But most often it is a secret we can only learn as we go through the difficult circumstances and trials of this life.
The secret that Paul shares with us today he learned through circumstances and through suffering and through trials. And it is a secret that we need to learn today.
Paul introduces the secret in Philippians 4:11.
Philippians 4:11 (NLT)
11 Not that I was ever in need (meaning feeling a ‘personal need’), for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.
Paul WAS in physical need, but he begins this verse by saying, Not that I was ever personally AFFECTED by being in need.
Because he says, I have learned . . . Note that. The word “learn” means literally, “I have come to understand.” It implies, “I have learned by experience.”
Paul says, “I have come to understand – by experience – how to be content.”
Oh man, that is what we need, isn’t it? We need to learn how to be content.
But look at the definition of the word translated “content” because it is probably not what you think. This Greek word means “independent of external circumstances.” That is the literal definition of the word here. We think content means to be “happy, at peace, fulfilled.” But here this word translated “content” means independent of external circumstances.
Paul is saying, “I have learned by experience – how to Live independent of my circumstances.”
That is the secret that Paul had learned through his experience of walking with Jesus, through the trials and tribulations of this life.
If I were to ask how many of us have learned to live independent of our external circumstances not many hands would go up because our circumstances tend to dictate our lives.
Good Circumstances = Good life
Bad Circumstances = NOT SO GOOD life.
But God says the secret of living in Christ is learning how to live independent of our circumstances. That is learning to be content and that is what we so badly need.
So, at the end of verse 11, Paul is saying, “I have learned – by my experience with Jesus - how to live independent of my external circumstances.”
THAT is actually the miraculous secret that Paul had learned and then he builds on it in verse 12.
Philippians 4:12 (NLT)
12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Look right in the middle of that verse. I have learned the secret of living in every situation.
I have learned the secret of living on almost nothing or with everything – with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or with little.
Paul says I’ve learned to not question God in bad circumstances and I’ve learned to not forget God in good circumstances. I have learned the secret of being content – living independent of my external circumstances - and then look closely at that word “learned.” The definition of this Greek word is “to learn the secret of something through personal experience, or to learn a mystery.”
And this is a mystery, right? For us to learn to live in Christ, truly independent of our external circumstances… is a mystery. But Paul learned it, and you and I can learn it.
Remember Paul has made it clear, he learned this mystery in the midst of his difficult circumstances. But it’s not just by (or because of) his circumstances. It was by Paul’s commitment to knowing Christ more and more in the midst of his circumstances.
So, before we get to this most famous verse 13, let’s turn back one chapter to Philippians Chapter 3.
In Philippians Chapter 3 is my life’s verse, and I promise you, this is the secret to the secret. This is how Paul learned the secret of Philippians 4:13.
Let’s look closely at just two verses in Chapter 3. Paul is in the midst of his “Life’s Testimony.” He is explaining how totally and completely his life has been transformed by Jesus Christ.
And Paul says in Philippians 3:8,
Philippians 3:8 (NLT)
8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ
Look at the all-consuming “life-focus” there. Everything else is worthless when compared to the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. That “everything else” includes every circumstance and every situation and God’s Word says NONE of it compares to the infinite value of knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord. And then Paul condenses the HOW – that is the secret to the secret. This was the commitment that allowed Paul to learn the secret that we hear so often in Philippians 4:13.
Philippians 3:10 (NLT)
10 I want to know Christ . . .
That’s my life verse – those 5 words – I want to know Christ!
In every circumstance, in every situation. In the good times and in the bad times. My goal is not for Jesus to fix my circumstances. My goal is to know him more and more in the midst of my circumstances.
This word “know” is my favorite Greek word – Ginosko. It means “To have an ever-increasing, experiential knowledge.” It implies an “ever-deepening – ever-increasing RELATIONSHIP with Jesus - as my Lord, my Savior, and my Friend” in every circumstance and every situation. Above and beyond anything else, I want to know Jesus more, no matter what this life takes me through. I want to experience his power and I want to experience his fellowship in the midst of whatever I am in the midst of.
And then Paul finishes Philippians 3:10 by describing the extent to which his desire to know Christ goes.
Philippians 3:10 (NLT)
10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,
I want to KNOW Christ in his most incredible POWER.
I want to KNOW Christ in his most incredible SUFFERING.
I want to KNOW the same VICTORIOUS POWER that RAISED Jesus from the dead
and
I want to KNOW the WORST of his suffering that led even to his death.
These are the extremes of life taken from the context of Jesus’ life.
In the very BEST and VICTORIOUS circumstance, in the very WORST and DEFEATING circumstance, every WHERE and in ALL things – NOTHING compares with the infinite value of knowing Jesus Christ AS your Lord . . .
Knowing him more and more, walking with him closer and closer, experiencing the power and the peace of his presence in every circumstance and in every situation, that is the HOW to the most prized secret of Philippian 4:13. The commitment Paul had to know Christ in the midst of every circumstance is how he got to the secret of Philippians 4:13.
So now, turn back to Philippians 4. With that background and with that understanding, we can now hear Paul say in this famous verse,
Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
13 For I can do everything (all things) through Christ, who gives me strength.
This is a great and encouraging verse, but even more great and encouraging when we understand it in its context.
Listen to this famous verse in the Amplified Bible.
Philippians 4:13 (AMP)
13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me . . . ]
I have STRENGTH for ALL things THROUGH Christ
Who EMPOWERS me
Who INFUSES inner strength into me.
I can be ready for ANY circumstance – ANY situation through my “ever-deepening – ever-increasing RELATIONSHIP with Jesus as my Lord, my Savior, and my Friend.”
Because HE empowers me with HIS strength, he INFUSES me with His INNER strength. When verse 13 says, “Who gives me strength” it means literally “To pour into.” It is Jesus “pouring in” however much strength and grace are needed for this circumstance. Through your ever-increasing relationship with Jesus, he will pour into you however much of his strength and his peace and his grace as you need.
Let me give you two literal translations of Philippians 4:13.
Newberry’s Greek N.T. – Philippians 4:13
“I am strong for all things in Christ who empowers me”
Phillips Literal – Philippians 4:13
“I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within me,”
The real secret is us getting to the place where Jesus Christ CAN pour his power and peace and grace into us right in the midst of any circumstance. The real secret is getting to the place where we can truly say, “Lord, I am completely in your hands. Whatever happens, I know you will empower me. I know you will pour your strength into me - and your Strength is MORE than sufficient – for ANY situation.”
But guys, this level of living in Christ doesn’t come by us just snapping our fingers and quoting a famous Bible verse. To be able to truly say, I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength . . . you have to actually BE at the depth of a personal relationship where Jesus can pour his life and his power and his strength into you.
The problem is – we want the secret without the relationship. We want the benefit of this verse just by quoting this verse. But this secret in the Christian life ONLY comes through an “ever-deepening – ever-increasing RELATIONSHIP with Jesus - as your Lord, your Savior, and your Friend” in order to live in the secret Paul reveals in Philippians 4:13.
First, we have got to learn to draw on the inner resources of Jesus Christ living in us. Then we can say, “I am ready for anything because of the strength of the one who lives in me.” But if we don’t have that real, ever-increasing relationship we will never be able to access the power needed to be able to live in this promise.
All that we need to live content, to live independent of our circumstances, is in Christ and comes through an ever-increasing relationship with Christ, and in and through that ever-increasing relationship with Christ, Jesus empowers us. He pours all that we need into our lives for us to “be strong for all things” and for us to be able to live “independent of our circumstances.”
And so that changes the goal for the true follower of Christ. That changes what we focus on. We are no longer asking Jesus to fix our circumstances every day, but instead, we are committed to knowing Jesus in the midst of our circumstances every day.
Please hear this: The Lord is NOT as interested in fixing your circumstances – as he is in using your circumstances – to FIX YOU.
God is at work for your good right in the middle of the circumstance that you are in right now. (Romans 8:28) But we have to join him in what he is doing, not fight him to just fix our circumstances.
So, today, let’s make a life’s commitment to NOT be driven BY our circumstances. But instead, to be driven by our desire to know Jesus more and more in the midst of our circumstances.
In all things may we desire to know Christ and have him pour his power, and his peace and his grace into our lives, according to what he knows is best for us.
May we set our eyes and our focus far beyond our circumstances – even to eternity. And may we learn to walk with Jesus in the light of 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.
2 Corinthians 4:17–18 (NLT)
17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!
18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
If you are a Christian today, Jesus Christ has given you eternal life. You are no longer a citizen of this world or bound by the circumstances of this world. We live in the light of his glory and grace as citizens of heaven.
May that be our focus and the more it is, the more our circumstances will fade from being top priority in our lives and the more we will be able to say with Paul,
Philippians 4:13 (AMP)
13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me . . . ]