Win or Lose - still victorious!
Whether you are playing a board game or running in a race, nobody likes to lose. Winning is fun - but losing is hard.
In the midst of a challenging feat we might wonder if its appropriate to claim the promise given by the Apostle Paul in the bible “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.“ (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)
Next to John 3:16 (For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life), Philippians 4:13 is one of the most-searched verses in the Bible. It is often linked with physical activities – athletes and others, seeking to inspire victory and strength.
But this common application unfortunately misses its real power. At its core, this verse is talking about a different sort of victory.
How do we respond when we are faced with challenges and hardships in life?
Do we have victory in such circumstances or can we have victory through suffering?
Our circumstances are constantly changing - but God never changes!
Paul was at peace in his circumstances because he didn’t rest his hope on the circumstances or their outcome, but on God. That Paul was able to rejoice while in prison, is nothing short of a miraculous gift given supernaturally by the Holy Spirit.
What exactly does Paul mean when he says “I can do all things” The Greek word for “Can do” means to be strong, powerful, able, to prevail over. Despite its common translation, this verb is used 27 other times in the New Testament and is never translated “Can do” elsewhere. Paul is not saying that he can do all things through Christ, but rather that he can prevail or have victory over any circumstance by relying on Christ and Christ’s strength not upon his own.