At mile 19 Abby said she hit a wall. With 7.2 miles to go, she knew that even though she was more than 2/3 done with the marathon, this last stretch was going to be the hardest. And then Jesus gave her a gift. Right in front of her was a woman whose shirt read on the back, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13. She said for the rest of the race she repeated that again and again, claiming the very practical truth for herself with each step. When she crossed the finish line, she literally cried. Her body was spent and in pain, but her heart and soul were soaring with what she’d just accomplished.
What does Philippians 4:13 really mean? Does it mean that if I wanted to go out in my driveway and lift my car over my head I could? I guess if it was necessary, God would give me the strength to do that. But that’s not the point of the verse. Paul was imprisoned because of His life and testimony about Jesus. Yet he knew that whatever his circumstances, God would give him what he needed to accomplish the task. Even while being locked up in jail, God gave him opportunities to share his faith and encouragement through letters to others and through interactions with those who guarded him. God gave him the strength he needed to do what he was called to do and to do it well, regardless of the seeming obstacles.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” . It goes hand in hand with the verse “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.” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Even, and especially, in my weakness, I can do what God has laid out for me because of His strength.
I love the truth that if God offers an opportunity, if He allows a difficulty or if He lays a path, He also supplies the necessities to carry it out. He asks us to do what suits us best, what grows us, what allows us to use our gifts and abilities to help and encourage others. He brings things into our lives, so specific and personal, that will increase our ability to trust Him and that will help us recognize our need for Him.
In a very physical way, God gave Abby what she needed to finish the opportunity she was given. To finish the race and finish it well. The same is true in every aspect of our lives. If He has allowed it or brought it, He will also supply what we need for it. And we can finish well…
Philippians 4:19- And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. – Paul
