I Can Do Anything!

“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:12-13

I have heard Philippians 4:13 quoted so many times as a call to action and a reminder. I can do it! Whatever needs to be done, God will give me the strength. This is so true, and God’s Word is such a great help in times of need. We can do anything with God’s strength. He will give us whatever we need to get through any situation. However, sometimes I think we forget about the steps that we often go through to be able to say with confidence, “I can do anything, with God!”

As we read Paul’s words, we need to make sure to back up and read verse 12 carefully.  Paul tells us that he knows how to be abased (in need) and he knows how to abound (have plenty). He has learned how to be hungry and how to suffer need. How did Paul learn all of these things? He learned in the way that we all learn best—through experience!

My lesson in learning to suffer need started in about 2008. The building industry had a dramatic downturn, and we were not prepared for that. We had enjoyed the plenty, since my husband owned a construction company, but we were not ready for that to end. During the next two years we would lose our cars, our beautiful home and almost lose our business. We realized at one point that our income for the month was equal to what we used to tithe.

God continued to supply our needs but not in the way that we were used to. We had food to eat, but instead of going to the grocery store to get food, we went to the food pantry at our church. After the once-a-week Bible study that we hosted in our home, we would often find cash tucked under the dessert dishes in the kitchen when we were cleaning up. God’s people blessed us greatly. I learned so much about God’s provision during those years. Even though those were some of the most difficult years of my life, I would never wish to go back and do anything differently.

God used that time to give me a heart for the homeless and needy. I have experienced firsthand what it is like to get food from a food pantry. I know the excitement of seeing a can of meat in the cabinet and not just fruit and vegetables. I understand what it feels like to rely on other people to help me meet my basic needs. I am grateful to God that I know what it is like to have plenty and to suffer need. I can say with confidence, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Dear heavenly Father, I pray that You would encourage my sisters in Christ who are suffering need today. I pray that You would help them to know that they can go through this time of suffering as long as they have You. Please strengthen them and give them peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.