Strengthened to Do All Things - Philippians 4:13
“I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me”
Philippians 4:13
We often quote this verse for motivation, but Paul wrote these words not from a place of comfort—but from confinement. He was in prison. Yet his words echo with boldness: “I can do this. I got this.”
Part One: What Are “All Things”?
Paul didn’t say, “I can do some things.” He said, “All things.”
But what does that mean?
“All things” include both:
• The Good: Joy, success, provision.
• The Hard: Pain, loss, waiting.
A mature Christian must be able to process all things—not just the pleasant ones.
Psalm 30:5 reminds us:
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
In life, we will face:
• Tears — Seasons of sorrow.
• Temptation — Moments of weakness.
• Confusion — When we can’t see what God is doing.
Even Jesus faced:
• Enemies — Those who hated Him.
• Disappointment — From His own disciples.
• Fear and agony — In Gethsemane before the cross.
Romans 8:28 assures us:
“All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Spiritual strength comes from learning how to carry both joy and sorrow, both favor and fire.
Part Two: “I Can Do…”
We often say “I got this” when life feels manageable. But what about when it’s hard—when it doesn’t feel possible?
Paul says: “I can do it.” Not because it’s easy, but because he’s learned to endure.
This letter to the Philippians came in response to their generosity. Yet Paul clarifies: “Even if you didn’t give—I’ve learned to be content.”
This is the mark of maturity: Generosity and endurance.
Your spiritual maturity is revealed by your ability to endure.
What makes others break, you survive. You face:
• Loss
• Disappointment
• Rejection
• Struggle
… and still stand.
Part Three: “…Through Christ Who Strengthens Me”
There are moments when your heart says, “I can’t do this.”
But God says, “Yes, you can—through Me.”
Ephesians 6:10 says:
“Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
Faith is not denial of difficulty—it is confidence in divine strength.
When God strengthens you, His strength has no limit.
• This is the God who split the Red Sea.
• Who made the sun stand still.
• Who raised Lazarus from the dead.
That same power is available to strengthen you.
Whether you’re:
• A husband — You can love, lead, and cover your home.
• A single woman — You can live full of purpose, dignity, and joy.
• A minister — You can reach souls, preach truth, and endure pressure.
God’s strength won’t just help you do great things—it will help you endure hard things.
A Navy SEAL’s Mentality — And a Christian’s Mindset
Let’s borrow a few lessons from elite military training. Navy SEALs embrace hardship with phrases like:
• “Embrace the suck” — Accept difficulty to grow stronger.
• “The 40% Rule” — When you feel done, you’re only 40% in. Push further.
• “Get comfortable being uncomfortable” — Stop chasing comfort. Learn to perform under pressure.
• “Own your 3-foot space” — Focus on what’s in your control: your attitude, your actions.
• “The only easy day was yesterday.”
What if Christians embraced spiritual life like that?
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
This isn’t motivational fluff. It’s a mindset for warriors of the faith.
Don’t just quote Philippians 4:13—live it.
Embrace the moment.
Endure the trial.
Depend on His strength.
You’ve got this—because He’s got you.