From Sunday school at children’s church, many of us are familiar with this portion of scripture. We can even quote it off hand. However, only a few of us have actually allowed the meaning of this powerful scripture sink deep: the fact that there is no limit to our ability as believers. 

A good number of believers have put a limit to God’s work in and through them because they hold on to an “I can’t” mentality. Instead of, for example, allowing the Holy Spirit perfect the work of forgiveness in them, they keep telling themselves “I can’t forgive that person”. For some others they can’t function in their full capacity because they believe they’re not up to it. 

But Jesus reminds us today through His word that we can actually do ALL things through Him (Php. 4:13). This is is not heresy or exaggeration. It is a fact. Apostle Paul was speaking from a place of experience. He made the statement in relation to whatever he had to endure or enjoy for the sake of Christ. He concluded that he was able to do it all because He was strengthened by Jesus. (Php. 4: 12-13)

I was listening to a sermon the other day and the Pastor mentioned how he saw another man of God doing something and he felt so motivated. He told himself that he also wants to do this thing and a few years later, he was. That growth started with a thought of “if he can, through Christ, I can too”. We can only step into the purpose God has for us when we have a mindset of “I can do all thing all things through Christ”. Many times what God asks us to do isn’t easy at all but remembering this scripture becomes comforting. 

If you desire to spend more hours praying, you can. It is not reserved for a special set of people. If you desire to give more bountifully, you can. There is no special grace for it. You can lay hands on the sick and watch them recover (Mk. 16:17-18). You can pray and the blind eyes will see. Christ is your enabler, especially to do those things that you ordinarily couldn’t. And the beauty about this testimony is that with the confession and the action (remember that faith without works is dead Jam. 2:17), the strength comes. When we tarry in faith, strength to do comes. 

My roommate shared her story with me last semester of how she overcame a challenging exam period. She had so much to cover against an upcoming paper and she was so tired and sleepy. It was starting to get overwhelming but she just kept confessing to herself that she can do all things through Christ. And to the glory of God, she was able to finish up with her reading that night, despite her intense tiredness. The strength came because she held on to God’s promise. (Heb. 10:23)

We can also apply scripture in our everyday lives. That you can do all things through Christ goes beyond strength to walk with Him. It also includes strength to go on about our activities of the day. On your own you are weak and incapable but through Christ comes the strength and ability. We do not boast of our own strength but in the strength of Christ that rests upon us, we boast of His grace that is sufficient. (2 Cor. 12:9)

Even those things that are impossible become possible to those who believe (Mk. 9:23). That is, those who allow themselves to be strengthened by God. Who would have thought that little David would slay the mighty Goliath. 

We can do all things through Christ because He has paid the price. Sin used to limit us. We were unable to stand before God, live guilt free and walk in our purpose because of sin. However, since Jesus paid the price, we have been set loose (Rom. 8:2). We have broken free from the shackles of limitations. Ability is found in freedom and we have found freedom in Jesus Christ. The scripture tells us that whoever Jesus sets free is free indeed (Jn. 8:36). Through this freedom, we are empowered by Christ to do all things, even those things that have been tagged impossible. 

Therefore, today presents an opportunity for anyone yet to accept Christ, anyone still held in limitations because of sin. You can also walk in this freedom to do all things. Say this prayer: Dear Jesus, I thank you for saving me and setting me free from sin. I accept you as my Lord and live in the freedom you have given me. From today, I know that through you, I am strengthened to do all things. Amen.