“I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). It is a favorite verse of many Christians, and one can understand why. But the verse isn’t relating what at first appears to be the case. One could draw the conclusion (given the English translation) that Paul is suggesting that he could literally do anything. The text would then imply that nothing was beyond his abilities. One imagines the text on an athlete’s locker to inspire him to greatness and glory. That would be a claim to omnicompetence and, frankly, blasphemous. That is not what Paul is telling the Philippians.

The question needs to be asked: What does the “all” refer to? The answer, as is always the case, lies in the context in which this verse occurs. Previously, in verses 11 and 12, Paul wrote: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (emphasis added). The statement, then, is not one of self-promotion but the very opposite. God will strengthen him in every circumstance to help him walk the Christian walk.

The context spells out what kind of circumstances Paul had in mind. On his second missionary journey, when he set out from Macedonia (where Berea, Thessalonica, and Philippi were located), only the church at Philippi stood by him and provided for his needs (Phil. 4:15). These were dark and troubling days for the Apostle when he was forced to cast himself on the Lord for strength and resolve. Were there days when he was tempted to despair and give up? That may very well have been the case. Writing to the Corinthians, he gives them a litany of his sufferings:

Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. (2 Cor. 11:24–27)

And in every circumstance, God strengthened him and enabled him to persevere.

But this is not only a testimony of the Apostle Paul; it is a promise given to every Christian in every circumstance. With God’s help, God’s powerful strengthening, Christians can endure and press on. Yes, in every circumstance, including yours, dear Christian. What a promise.