“ I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”–Philippians 4:13.
Recently, in my reading, I ran across a very convicting and timely statement from an Old Testament theologian: “ man courts self-destruction by engaging in self-congratulations.” If there was ever a suitable warning for our generation, this is surely it.
While since the fall of Adam the sinful nature of man has always been what it is–thoroughly awash in self-worship–never in history have we possessed the capabilities to celebrate ourselves with such a degree of world-spanning efficiency. Modern communicative technologies, ever evolving at the speed of light, have enabled us to announce and bask in our “ self-congratulations” before the whole world with the mere push of a button.
The warning sounded above is really a restatement of the Word of God: “ Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18). The celebration of ourselves and our achievements is, as the Lord Himself declares, an invitation to divine retribution.
All of this seems to make Paul’s claim in Philippians 4 a bit perplexing, at least upon first glance. For sure, his declaration is a celebration of sorts. The Apostle is announcing to the world that he is able to “ do all things.” In the context, Paul is asserting his ability to navigate successfully all of the vast perplexities of daily life as a Christian in this fallen world.
A casual reader of this Epistle might think that he is bragging here. One might assume that if the Apostle had access to the internet, he might well tweet this out for all the world to see, mimicking the spirit of our self-obsessed age! But looking deeper into his inspired words we discover that there is much more to behold!
Surprisingly, what we have in this verse is actually an announcement of Paul’s inability. While this is stated in a most unexpected fashion, it’s still there for us to read. That last phrase is the secret: “ through Him who strengthens me.”
We might rephrase it this way: “ I can do nothing on my own, except those things that my Lord graciously empowers me to do.” Far from a pompous, self-glorifying assertion, this is an announcement of Paul’s complete dependence upon the power of God at work in his life.
And this is the source of our encouragement for this new Monday!
We would do well to meditate upon Paul’s words while also reflecting upon something that king David once wrote:
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him” (Psalm 28:7).
When we align these two statements, we see that they are saying the same thing. Both promise us that, while we are weak in ourselves and have no cause for self-celebration, we are nonetheless fully able to accomplish whatever our Father requires of us given that it is His strength, always graciously provided, that enables us! And this calls for a celebration!
When a believer in Christ calls out to the Savior, humbled by the realization of his or her own weakness, the strength of the Sovereign One arrives right on time! When we are aware of our inability, only then are we able to boast of and rest in our Father’s omnipotence!
Therefore, my dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, you also are able to “ do all things”! Whatever is required of you today as you serve your Lord with love and faithfulness shall be given to you, especially in your weakness! This moment you are not only loved and shielded by your Father, you are always being strengthened by the One who ever indwells your heart!
This is a day to celebrate alright! We unashamedly celebrate His strength at work in us!
“ I sing the almighty power of God,
that made the mountains rise,
that spread the flowing seas abroad,
and built the lofty skies” (Isaac Watts).
I love you all so much!
Mike