Misquotedਨਮੂਨਾ

The last verse we’re going to unpack is from one of Paul’s letters to an early church. Paul finishes his letter by thanking the church for supporting his missionary journeys through financial giving and prayer. He explains that he’s learned to live with minimal resources. “I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” Paul’s life was full of imprisonment, persecution, and pain. Yet, he says he’s learned the secret to contentment no matter his circumstances: Jesus. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” is often taken out of context- it’s used to encourage people that they can do anything they believe because God is with them. And while God can use us to do anything, it’s not up to us to tell God what he should or shouldn’t do. This verse isn’t promising that we can accomplish whatever we want if we have enough faith. It’s not even guaranteeing success. Paul spoke these words as an encouragement that when God calls us to do something, he is the one who will equip us. We can rest in God’s plans for us because He is the one who leads us through.

Challenge: What is something you feel like God is calling you to do? If you can think of something, ask God for the strength to do it today. If you’re unsure of what God wants you to do, ask him to reveal that to you.