by Dona Hake
Philippians 4:13 Amplified Bible
” 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 am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].”
” 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 am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].”
Before this portion of scripture Paul wrote that he had learned the secret of
being content. I love how this version that I was reading (NIV) used the word
secret. Being content is a beautiful way to live. The dictionary defines secret
being used in this context as a method, formula, plan, etc., known only to the
initiated or the few: the secret of happiness; a trade secret.
being content. I love how this version that I was reading (NIV) used the word
secret. Being content is a beautiful way to live. The dictionary defines secret
being used in this context as a method, formula, plan, etc., known only to the
initiated or the few: the secret of happiness; a trade secret.
If you are a believer you are one of “the few”, and within
us we embrace a precious secret to strength. We can say that by the strength
of the Lord we can be content no matter what is going on around us. Paul
understood this and he spoke with the authority as well. He said, “…for I have
learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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…I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
of the Lord we can be content no matter what is going on around us. Paul
understood this and he spoke with the authority as well. He said, “…for I have
learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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…I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
I think it is important to note that Paul said two times here that he had
learned contentment. Contentment does not just fall on your lap like a ripe
apple from a tree. Contentment is developed through decision making in times
of crisis or problems you face. It is when you learn the secret of contentment
that you can look to the Lord and proclaim “I CAN DO everything through
Him who strengthens me. Sometimes when we face needs in this life
and we decide to be content until the manifestation, God can work in us and also on
our behalf. It is those times that we realize after we get through the trial that
the situation gave us new insights and we became stronger because of it.
Let us not call upon His strength to just escape and run away from our needs
but rather to be strengthened to walk through them. Let us bare the testimony
that Paul wrote ” I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him
Who infuses inner strength into me.” It is as we do this that we can truly say
that we can do all through Him who strengthens us!
but rather to be strengthened to walk through them. Let us bare the testimony
that Paul wrote ” I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him
Who infuses inner strength into me.” It is as we do this that we can truly say
that we can do all through Him who strengthens us!
