Sometimes enthusiasm can cloud good judgment. It’s wonderful to celebrate the ways in which God encourages, affirms, and empowers those who dare to walk with him. But if we’re not careful that celebration can distort the way we read scripture. We can turn a clear promise of God into an extreme triumphalism that the text does not warrant.

For example, take the statement of Paul to the Philippians when he writes, “I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me.” (See Philippians 4:13.) Christ-followers occasionally use this statement as “You CAN do it” mantra. Are you experiencing a difficult time in your marriage? Remember Philippians 4:13. Is money tight? Remember Philippians 4:13. Did you fall from your bike and break your forearm? Remember Philippians 4:13.

The words of scripture were not designed to function as a magic elixir to deal with the challenges of life. The prescription is not to swallow a phrase and feel better in the morning.

What does this verse state in context? The word everything is not unqualified. It’s not a promise that we can reverse the body damage in an auto accident, grow a missing finger, or change the outcome of an election after the votes have been counted. Paul is not arguing that we have the capacity as children of God to reorder the universe or erase all the consequences of evil moral choices. When you look at verses 10-12, you discover that Paul has been discussing living in various states of poverty and affluence. He is talking about how he has found contentment with God despite the circumstances that God has sovereignly surrounded him with. The do
everything in this context is the same as “be content in every kind of circumstance.” He is confessing that God will strengthen him to face any kind of circumstance with an attitude that is God-honoring and strengthened by God himself.

In a similar way, God does not promise to give us supernatural power to achieve the goals we strive for. He does give us strength to face whatever circumstances come our way and find contentment in him and his guidance. He is sufficient for every circumstance because he is sovereign over all of them and loving toward his children.