Philippians 4:13
Because of the fact that the Olympics are currently front and center in sports at the moment, I thought I'd make this week's verse Philippians 4:13, since it is typically used in association with athletics. Well, for that reason and because it ties in with this past week's devotional.
You might have noticed that the wording in the image , which is taken from the NIV, is a little different than how we're used to quoting Philippians 4:13, and that is due to two reasons: 1) most people seem to memorize verses in the KJV and 2) most other translations also word it in much the same way the KJV translated it. In fact, the KJV version we are used to hearing is actually the more accurate translation of the Greek than the NIV is.
So, why then did I choose to use the NIV version for this post? Because even though it is not accurate in translating wording, it makes a point that we tend to overlook when using the KJV translation. Let me show you the KJV version in context to explain this:
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me."
— Philippians 4:11-13 KJV
You see, the point isn't that you can do anything through Christ, although most certainly you could if it was within His will. No, Paul's point was that we can be content and suffer through difficult situations because Christ strengthens us! Isn't that a wonderful truth?
So, if you happen to hear this in regard to sports, I would like to encourage you to think of it in a different light. Instead of thinking, "I can win this game because Christ strengthens me," think, "I can be content and joyful, even if I lose, because Christ strengthens me!" Because, — let me tell you a secret — often times there will be an athlete on either side of a game who is set on winning because of this verse, but only one of them can win. But, with God, you can overcome the smallest and greatest disappointments, and the smallest and the greatest trials!
Before I go, I want to leave you with one more translation of this verse. This one is quite long and elaborate, but I think it gets the full point across:
"I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose — I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and peace.]"
— Philippians 4:13 Amplified Bible
Let's Pray:
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for giving me the strength I need to do what You have called me to do. Help me to rest contented in You, even when things don't seem to be going in my favor. Remind me that those things that bring me hardship help to bring You glory, alongside those things that make me comfortable. Thank You for the blessing of knowing that You are always beside me, helping to do Your will!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Related Song:
I Can Do All Things — Steve Green
Verse of the Week video: