Philippians Blog 2

With the economy on shaky ground and my attendance to a private school, I see a new understanding with Philippians 4:13.

Over the past year I have become more away of wanting to know the context of a verse before accepting whatever whoever was saying. At first, the reason was because people would pull verses out of, say, say the Gospels and Jesus would be talking. I would say, “What prompted Jesus to say that? What had previously happened? What was about to happen?” I began to feel confused if a verse was just pulled out of “thin air.” Coming to a Christian school I am even more aware of when verses seem to show up without explanation.

Philippians 4:13 is an extremely famous verse. You can hear it in any context these days. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Honestly, when I hear that verse, I always take a step back and try to figure out what the message is. Everyone should do that. “I can get this promotion through Christ who strengthens me.” No. For crying out loud, read the previous verses.

“I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. Now that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress.” ~Philippians 4:10-14 (NRSV)

When I first got here I had no job. I was concerned about not having one. Out of nowhere a job seemed to open up here on campus and I was so grateful! Yet, as quickly as that door opened, it closed again. Money was going to be really tight. At first I was worried. Philippians says something about that too. I was reminded of Philippians 4:6-7 which says, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” So I prayed that a job become available and I prayed that I be content whether or not I made any money that semester.

No matter what state the economy is in. No matter how much school loans anybody has. We can survive through Christ. If we have full bellies after a meal, we can still live for Christ. If we find no food in our cupboards, we can trust Christ. We can do this through Christ, our strength. This verse is not about what we deserve. This life is not supposed to be easy with our vending machine in the sky. Jesus’ blood is not the change we enter into God to get what we want. When that verse is put in the right context, suddenly God is recognized as being on the throne. Suddenly, I may be having some troubles, but I know that Christ is my strength no matter what.