Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 is a powerful statement of faith that expresses St.Paul's confidence in the strength and power that comes through his faith in Christ. Let's explore other Pauline letters that echo this same message:
Romans 8:31 - "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" In this passage, St.Paul reminds his readers that they have God on their side, and that nothing can stand against them when they have faith in God's power.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." In this passage, St.Paul acknowledges that he is not strong on his own, but that he finds strength in Christ's power. He even goes so far as to say that he is glad for his weaknesses, because they allow him to rely more fully on God's strength.
Ephesians 6:10 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." In this passage, St.Paul urges his readers to find strength in the Lord, and to rely on his power to help them through difficult times.
Taken together, these passages show that St.Paul's message of finding strength in Christ is a consistent theme throughout his letters. Whether we are facing challenges, weaknesses, or difficulties, we can find hope and strength in the power of God.
