We are enabled to endure...

Philippians 4:12, 13 "I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Many times, I have heard and used and spoken the verse, in bold, to encourage myself and others. This morning, in my prayer time, I began to think about this verse and what it means. We often associate this verse with 'empowerment' by way of ability. We expect the ability to do anything we set ourselves to do, and we expect this through the strength supplied to us by the Father. However, I would submit that we have misunderstood this verse.

I firmly believe that this scripture is meant to encourage, and it encourages me greatly. However, not because it tells me that I can accomplish anything. I am not meant to do this, no man is. We cannot accomplish things in accordance with our own will. God's will is sovereign and just. He is powerful and mighty. He accomplishes his will as he delights. We are to be submitted only to his authority because our will is insufficient and cannot work (it is incapable of working) against his perfect will.

Let's look at what Paul says before that verse. "I know how to get along with humble means and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both having abundance and suffering need." We often quote verse 13, but not so much verse 12. What Paul is telling us, is not that we can accomplish anything we set our minds too (which is a worldly thought), but that no matter our circumstances, our God will strengthen us to endure it.

1 Corinthians 1:30 tells us that he who boast should boast in the Lord. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:6 that those who boast in themselves are fools. His desire was that no one would think more of him than they should. He wanted the light of Christ to shine brighter than any worldly achievement or success he happened to gain.

My encouragement is this: My God enables me to endure all things through his love. No matter what I face today, tomorrow, or ever, he strengthens me to persevere for his glory. I don't have to worry about 'my accomplishments' because I am only called to be submitted to God and his perfect will. He "works all things for the good" of those who love him. He has called you. He loves you. And you can trust him because he is Just. He is love. He is mighty. And he created you specifically for the life you have and the seasons you will walk through.