You’ve probably read or heard Philippians 4:13 over and over. You’ve probably heard it so many times that you really stopped caring if you knew what it meant or not.
First, let’s actually take a look at Philippians 4:13.
I can do all things through him [Christ] who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
International Standard Version
I can do all things? I’ve already thought of about 10 different things I literally have no ability to do because of my lack of skill. What about you?
What does this really mean, though? Does it really mean that I should be able to do anything?
Actually, this is saying I can do all things that God has called me to do through Jesus Christ who gives me strength. God will never call you to do something that He has not equipped you to do.
The first step you should always take in deciding if you are supposed to do something is pray. Ask God about it, see what He says. While doing that, take inventory. See if God has provided or is providing for this to happen.
David was provided five stones because God called him to kill a giant.
He [David] took his staff in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook and put them in the pouch in his shepherd’s bag. He approached the Philistine with his sling in his hand. 1 Samuel 17:40
International Standard Version
Even before that He provided Moses with a staff so that he could challenge Pharaoh.
‘What’s that in your hand?’ the Lord asked him.
Moses answered, ‘A staff.’
Then God said, ‘Throw it to the ground.’ He threw it to the ground and it became a snake. Moses ran away from it.
Then God told Moses, ‘Reach out and grab its tail.’ So he reached out, grabbed it, and it became a staff in his hand. Exodus 4:2-4
International Standard Version
He provided Samson with strength so he could defeat the Philistines.
So he [Samson] finally disclosed everything. He told her [Delilah], ‘A razor has never touched my head, because I’ve been a Nazirite for God before I was born. If I am shaved, then my strength will abandon me and I will become weak like every human being.’ Judges 16:17
International Standard Version
Way before any of this, God gave Adam the ability to be fertile so that he could multiply and fill the Earth.
God blessed the humans by saying to them, ‘Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it! Be masters over the fish in the ocean, the birds that fly, and every living thing that crawls on the earth!’ Genesis 1:28
Later, Adam had sexual relations with his wife Eve. She became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. Genesis 4:1
International Standard Version
If you are by God’s will supposed to do something, then He gives you the ability to do it. Don’t feel like you aren’t ‘good enough’ because you can’t literally do everything.
Just remember, if you are supposed to do it, God will provide.
Keep your eyes open next week for Ball’s second blog post special!
