I would speculate that one of the most quoted Bible verses is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” You can find it cleverly printed on T-shirts, coffee mugs and bumper stickers. I’ve seen the words formed into the shape of a cross and even a basketball. For the believer they are sweet words indeed. Perhaps you’ve recited them to embolden yourself or encourage others. But here’s a question, do you know what the two verses are that precede it? Check it out in its context.
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11–13)
These are the words of Paul as he is concluding his letter to the church in Philippi. He is reassuring them that, despite his imprisonment, God has graciously provided for him. For that reason they need not be consumed with anxiety on his account.
Between this consolation to his readers and the subsequent declaration that he can “do all things” is an important observation, namely that Paul received some God ordained tutelage. To use his words, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” He repeats, “I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Paul’s confidence that he can do all things through Christ is the result of learning experiences. The apostle’s source of contentment was, in a sense, quite scientific. In each of his diverse set of circumstances there was a repeatable observation—God was caring for him in every one of them!
I’ve heard it said, “Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you want.” There is truth in that. Paul gained experience through abundance and need, and he concluded that regardless of the situation he can “do all things through Him who strengthens me.” He even referred to this revelation as a “secret.” God is cluing us in on a very important principle. Are you listening to the secret? It is that you learn contentment through the God ordained circumstances of your life, not in spite of them. When things are going well for you and you are, perhaps, tempted to cut your devotions short, neglect your prayer time or have less patience with others, school is in session. When you are distressed, experiencing career, financial or health difficulties, school is in session. God is teaching you how to be content.
Godly contentment is not a grin and bear it attitude. Remaining emotionless through the highs and lows of life is not one of the beatitudes. On the contrary, Paul is describing a form of genuine faith that relies entirely on Christ. Bear in mind he authored this letter after describing the following list of life experiences:
Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. (2 Corinthians 11:24–27)
That’s the guy that learned the secret! Let’s pray that God will help us learn the secret without lashes, beatings, shipwrecks and robberies. If Paul can assure others about his contentment in God’s providence, then we can too. Choose to place your faith in a God that is over “whatever situation” and “any and every circumstance” you find yourself in. After all, you can do all things through Him who strengthens you.