July 20 2026

Monday July 20

“Christ is My Strength”

Philippians 4:13

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we come to one of the most familiar and most quoted verses in the entire Bible. Paul writes in Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Many people have memorized this verse. Athletes write it on their shoes. Students quote it before taking an exam. Business leaders use it as motivation before an important meeting.

While there is certainly nothing wrong with remembering this wonderful promise, I believe one of the greatest mistakes we make is taking this verse out of its context. Remember, Paul did not write this verse by itself. It is the conclusion of everything he has been saying in verses 10 through 12. He has been talking about contentment. He has been talking about learning to live whether he had plenty or little. He has been talking about being full and being hungry... Having abundance and suffering need. Then he says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

What are the "all things"? The context answers the question. Paul is saying, "I can live in poverty through Christ." "I can live in prosperity through Christ." "I can endure suffering through Christ." "I can handle success through Christ." "I can remain faithful whether life is easy or difficult because Christ gives me the strength." This verse is not primarily about accomplishing extraordinary achievements. It is about living an extraordinary Christian life in ordinary—and sometimes very difficult—circumstances.

Think about Paul's life. As he writes these words, he is not standing in a palace. He is sitting in a Roman prison. He is chained to a Roman soldier. His future is uncertain. Yet instead of complaining, he is overflowing with joy. How? Not because he is naturally strong. Not because he has unusual determination. But because Christ is strengthening him every day. Notice carefully what Paul says. "I can..." Not, "I might." Not, "I hope." But, "I can." This is the confidence of faith.

Then notice the next words. "...through Christ..." Paul's confidence was never in himself. Throughout this letter he has consistently pointed us away from self and toward Christ. In chapter one he said, "For to me to live is Christ." In chapter two he pointed us to the humble mind of Christ. In chapter three he counted everything as loss for the excellency of knowing Christ. Now in chapter four he tells us that Christ is the source of his strength. Everything comes back to Jesus.

The Christian life has never been about self-confidence. It is about Christ-confidence. Someone has wisely said, "God is not looking for ability as much as He is looking for availability." When we make ourselves available to Him, He supplies the strength we need.

Notice the final words. "...which strengthens me." The verb literally means, "to continually infuse with strength." Paul isn't saying Christ gave him strength once many years ago. He is saying Christ keeps on strengthening him. Every day. Every trial. Every hardship. Every opportunity. The strength of Christ is continually supplied to those who depend upon Him.

This reminds me of what Jesus said in John 15. "I am the vine, you are the branches... for without Me you can do nothing." The branch does not struggle to produce fruit. It simply abides in the vine. The life of the vine flows through the branch. In the same way, Christ's strength flows into the life of the believer who depends upon Him.

Perhaps that is why Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me." What a wonderful truth! The Christian life is not difficult. It is impossible—apart from Christ. Only Christ can enable us to forgive when we've been hurt. Only Christ can enable us to rejoice in suffering. Only Christ can enable us to love our enemies. Only Christ can enable us to remain content when circumstances change. That is exactly what Paul is saying here.

For years I have observed that this verse, along with Philippians 4:19, is often quoted without reading the verses that come before it. As a result, sincere Christians sometimes become discouraged. They expect these promises to work almost like magic formulas. But God's promises are always connected to God's purposes. Paul could say, "I can do all things through Christ," because he had spent four chapters teaching us how to walk with Christ. He had learned the single mind of chapter one. The submissive mind of chapter two. The spiritual mind of chapter three. The secure mind of chapter four. He had learned to rejoice... To pray... To trust... To think on the right things... To practice God's Word... To be content.

Now, after years of walking with Christ, he can testify, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Friend, whatever God asks you to face today... whatever burden He allows you to carry...  Whatever trial He asks you to endure... Whatever opportunity He places before you... You do not have to face it alone. The Christ who saved you will strengthen you. His grace is sufficient. His strength is made perfect in weakness. And because He is enough, you can faithfully do whatever He calls you to do.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You that You never ask us to live the Christian life in our own strength. Thank You for giving us Your Son, who daily strengthens us through His indwelling Spirit. Teach us not to depend upon ourselves but upon Christ alone. Help us to walk so closely with Him that whether we experience abundance or adversity, we may honestly say with Paul, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." We ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

God bless, and you have a wonderful, wonderful day.