Philippians 4:13 – We Can Through Christ

Philippians 4:13

¹³ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

I hear many people say the first part—“I can do.” That is called willpower. If you’re trying to diet in your own willpower or you own “I can do it,” you will fail. That’s why 97% of dieters fail. It’s easier to say “I can do,” than doing it. The reality of it, is different than the theory. And this applies to all areas of life. Most people will just admit, “I can’t do it.” Many people think they can do it without God. They don’t need the crutch of religion.

God’s promises go beyond willpower. It is more than “I can do it” now that I’m a Christian. Most Christians don’t see grace beyond salvation. Grace is how all things work in God’s Kingdom. It all begins with Jesus on the Cross saying, “It is finished.” With those words the whole world was shaken with possibilities they didn’t have before. Before Christ, it was do the best you could although you were certain to fall short. After Christ on the Cross, there is unlimited potential. You now can say “I can do all things.” Remember “all” means all.

The “I” is nothing without Jesus. It’s no longer willpower, but it’s now Christ in us, strengthening us to do all things. Even though the words “through Christ” might not be in the oldest manuscripts it is still “Him”—the one empowering us. It isn’t our willpower or our right living that does it. It is God empowering us. It is being endued with power. It’s having God power—dynamite power to “do all things.”

This is not a statement of “I can”. It’s a statement of “through Christ I can.” It is a promise of God that we can grab hold of when we seem to be facing an “I can’t.” It’s a constant reminder that you are not in this alone. God is within you to empower you through every overwhelming situation that you face. You don’t face the challenges of life without the strengthening power of God.

When you are at your weakest you can say, “I can do it through Jesus strengthening power working in me.”