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How James 4:13 Can Change Everything
Brian Mashburn
July 22, 2018
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Can You Do Everything?
There is a verse in the Bible, often quoted, that comes from the pen of Paul, which literally begins with the words, "I can do everything." It is found in Philippians 4:13. He says, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." This power-packed verse fits perfectly in our current series entitled "Game Changers," in that if you really believed and lived by those words, it would change how you think and feel about everything.
But not as you at first might think.
See, people often use this verse as a kind of victory chant. Picture someone going out onto a field of battle, or competing in some great sports contest, or to make a million dollars. Picture that person using this verse as personal pep rally, triumphantly yelling it as they set out, claiming that, with the strength of Christ backing them up, they can do it! They can succeed! They can win!
This is a clear example of a text that needs context in order to hear its game changing power. Paul is in prison. By all accounts, he should be defeated and downcast. But he has learned the secret of being content in any circumstance. See, this verse is not telling you that you can do everything you set out to do because almighty Jesus has your back. It is telling you that everything that comes your way, no matter how dire, you can still be filled and content, because Jesus is your strength.
The Bible is defiantly hopeful in regards to how God expects us to handle difficulties. We are to cast our cares on him (1 Peter 5:7), set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:1–2), walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), and he even wants us to rejoice in all things, giving thanks for everything (Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). This is not amazing, super-special Christian living. This is basic Christian living. A game changer, if you will learn.