Hang It Up

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:11-13 NKJV

Depending on which translation or version of the Bible you read, so many times we quote the last part of this passage "I can do all things..." and believe it to mean that WE should be able to DO everything because we're Christians. Just put on our superhero cape and we're able to leap over tall buildings in a single bound and fix everything. What happens when we can't?

I believe it is the master plan of the enemy of our souls to subtlety twist Scripture in order to create doubt not only in our Christian walk but also in the Word of God and yes, even in God Himself. You see, when we believe that WE are supposed to be able to do everything, and then learn we can't - then we doubt our faith, our Christianity. We don't trust the Word which translates to not believing God. If we don't rightly divide the Word, we set ourselves up for failure because we can't do much of anything let alone everything - not in and of ourselves and definitely not in our own strength.

Paul is saying he can be equally content in his life whether he has everything he wants and needs or he doesn't. And the reason he/we can endure all things - do all the things of life - both little and much - is because Christ gives us the strength to be able to endure. That is the secret to contentment. It's not having things, it's having Christ's strength in us. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Let's hang up the cape and take up our Cross.

Prayer:

Father,
           Give us ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts to follow Your will and fulfill Your purpose for our lives. We need the wisdom that only You can give and we need Your strength to be able to do it. We don't want to be hearers only, but also doers. Help us, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen