Advancing Encouragement By:
Bishop James Jr. Hairston

Philippians: 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

Here in the text Paul did not worry about his physical needs because the Church had always supported his ministry. His joy at the Philippians liberality was exceeding greatly because they were one of his biggest supporters. As a matter of fact at one time they were the only ones, verse 15. Paul knew what it was to be in want and to have much, to be full and to be hungry, to be brought low and to exceed in abundance, verse 12. During these times of well to do and hard times he knew that he could do all things through Christ that strengthened him, empowered him, and enabled him to be strong through it all, from the word endunamoo or en-doo-nam-o'-o.

The idea here is that the Lord God took care of him in all things that brought Paul to say in verse 19, but my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. In addition, I believe that the Lord will supply you with all you need and all the resources you need to carry out your mission, task, assignment, job, venture, dream, vision or whatever God has called you too in order to be successful and to accomplish what He has in-store for you. In this context it is all about God and His purpose for you and the work He has called you too. It is not about I can do all things through Christ to buy a new car or a new house or anything that is of a monetarily nature. This is about doing all things through Christ that empowers me to accomplish His will for my life that does not only brings glory to God but it has a lot to do with helping other people accomplishing their dreams, visions, goals, task and assignments in life. This is not a self centered or selfishness notion about doing all things through Christ! Although all means all in the Greek but the meaning all is within the context it is speaking from. Pauls’ life style was all about God and doing what His will was for His life and that is the context in which we need to apply this passage of scripture to our lives as well. Whatever you do, do it to the glory of God, 1Corinthians 10:31 and whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the mane of the Lord Jesus Christ, Colossians 3:17. Therefore, our life style is all about Christ giving Him the glory in all that we do will qualify Philippians 4:13 for your life! For in John 15:5 say’s, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. For without Christ we can do nothing when it comes to living our lives to bring Him glory in all that we do, we do for Him! Today my friend, live your life for Christ in all that you do bringing Him the Glory and you will be able to do all things through Him who will empower you to be accomplished in Jesus Name…

James Jr. Hairston