Strength for the Storm, Not Just for the Summit

Wednesday June 18, 20235

Scripture: Philippians 4:10–15

Take time to read this full passage slowly and not just the famous verse, but the whole context around it. Picture Paul writing these words not from a mountaintop, but from prison, chained and awaiting trial.

Reflection: Most of us have seen Philippians 4:13 on coffee mugs, sports gear, or graduation caps. “I can do all things through Christ…” gets quoted when people want to win a game, nail an interview, or reach a goal. It’s become almost a Christian motivational slogan. But what if Paul didn’t write this from a place of victory, but from a place of vulnerability? Paul wrote these words near the end of his life, after years of traveling, preaching, suffering, and sacrificing. He had been beaten, shipwrecked, rejected, falsely accused, and arrested. When he writes Philippians, he’s under house arrest in Rome, uncertain about whether he will live or die. And yet, he still says, “I have learned the secret of being content.” I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Friends that’s not a pep talk. Paul is telling us, “I’ve been through highs and lows. I’ve had plenty and I’ve had nothing. And I’ve discovered that I don’t need perfect circumstances to have peace. I don’t need everything to work out to have joy. Because Christ gives me strength, not to win, but to keep going.” We often pray, “God, take this away.” Paul suggests we pray this way instead, “God, give me strength in the middle of this.” Friends Jesus doesn’t always remove the storm, but He always steps into it with us. Paul teaches us that contentment is something you grow into when you stop trying to fix everything and start trusting that Jesus is enough.

Consider This:

• Paul didn’t wait for a breakthrough to find joy. He found it in the waiting.
• He didn’t need his situation to change because he had been changed. He had learned the secret of being content and now you know it too.
• You can do this. Not by your own strength, but by His. That’s the real power behind Philippians 4:13

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I confess that I often seek strength for success rather than strength for the struggle. Teach me the kind of joy that can sing even in chains, and the kind of peace that isn’t tied to what’s going right. Today, I don’t ask for a way out, I ask for you to walk with me through it. Teach me contentment. Be my strength. Be enough Amen.