I've misunderstood Philippians 4:13 for most of my Christian life. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" sounded like a spiritual pep talk - a promise that if I just believed hard enough, nothing would be impossible. Like some divine superpower that made me capable of anything I set my mind to.
But that's not what Paul is saying at all.
The context matters. Paul wrote this from prison, talking about being content whether he had plenty or nothing, whether circumstances were comfortable or desperate. He'd learned the secret of facing any situation - abundance or need - because Christ strengthened him to endure whatever came.
This isn't a promise that I can achieve any goal I choose if I just have enough faith. It's a promise that I can endure any circumstance I face because Christ provides the strength I need.
There's a huge difference between those two things.
I think about the mountains in this print. They're beautiful but they also represent obstacles, challenges, climbs that require strength we don't naturally possess. The verse doesn't promise the mountains will disappear. It promises that through Christ who strengthens us, we can face them.
Sometimes "all things" means enduring what I can't change rather than conquering what I hoped to achieve. It means continuing through a difficult season, standing firm when everything feels shaky, or simply getting through another day when I'm running on empty.
The strength isn't mine to summon. It's His to provide. And He strengthens - present tense, ongoing action - as I need it, not necessarily before I face the challenge.
If you're facing something right now that feels beyond your capacity, may this verse anchor you differently. You're right - it is beyond your capacity. Your strength isn't enough. But through Christ who strengthens you, you can face it. Not because you're capable, but because He is faithful.