Philippians 4:13-- I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
I have had this verse sent to me by my sister for any sort of event in my life for 35 years. It has come to me tied to balloons, written inside hundreds of cards, and even engraved on a locket for my wedding. It is her gift verse for me, reminding me what she thinks of me. It has given me joy before flipping across the floor for cheerleading tryouts. It has brought peace to me as the doors to the operating room opened. It has made me laugh when my hair was a mess and my child was throwing up over my shoulder. Through it all, she keeps giving it to me.
At one point in my life the verse was almost a joke because she kept giving it to me. It seemed random for so many things that she offered it. I remember thinking, “Well, of course I can take a test through Christ, but why is she giving it to me for my birthday?” It took a very low point in my life to realize that my sister had it right all along. On Mother’s Day 2001, just roughly 5 or 6 weeks after Asher had died, I received an email from my sister. It was just a short note saying that she loved me and that she was thinking of me. But, at the bottom of the note was the verse reference Philippians 4:13. I think she just had it as part of her email signature. But, on that morning as I was sitting at my computer checking my emails, a lightning bolt of wisdom struck my heart. I shouldn’t want to do it without Him. I shouldn’t even try if I haven’t got Him by my side. What’s the point without Him?
I truly believe that this verse is so completely underrated. I think people quote this verse without fully understanding the complexity that is available in it. Yes, we can run a marathon because Christ strengthens us. Yes, we can walk through grief because Christ strengthens us. But, have you stopped to say, “I can teach my children to cling to righteousness because Christ strengthens me?” Or, “I can guide my children in purity because Christ strengthens me?” What about, “I can be a wife beyond measure for my husband because Christ strengthens me?” Better yet, “I can fully satisfy my husband in all areas because Christ strengthens me?” Don’t forget, “I can raise my children, enjoy my life, and get the dishes done because Christ strengthens me.”
Whatever it is, no matter the magnitude or minuteness, the strength and ability of Christ is available. We must seek it out as a parched wanderer in the desert seeks water. It has to be a quest for us. If we will purpose to seek out the availability of God’s ability through Christ for us, we will rise to levels never before imagined in our hearts.
This verse is talking about the same Christ who walked on water! The same Christ who healed the leper! The same Christ who fed the 5,000! What can that Christ do for you today? What do you need to get done? What paths do you need to trod? What lessons do you need to impart to your children? Then, let the strength provided by Christ flow to you. Ask for it and receive it. Yearn for it and expect it. And then use it to grow in your productivity and fruitfulness within your household.
Confession: I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. I mean ALL things. Everything that I need to do today and the great things of tomorrow are within His ability.
