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"Not to discourage you from using and applying the verse from the scripture but to make you aware how not to read, interpret and apply the verse."
Verses Taken Out Of Context
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
I typed this verse into Instagram to see what kind of pictures came with the hashtag. Do you know what the overwhelming majority of content included? Pictures of people working out. There’s even a hashtag titled #philippians413fitness. I hope I don’t sound too snarky here, but do we really think this verse is about exercise? I have seen this verse twisted by so many bloggers and influencers. “You are capable of anything you set your mind to!” This seems to be the reverberating message thrown out (especially to women) and so many of us have been led to believe that Philippians 4:13 is a passage about our own abilities and potential.
Jump back to verses 11-12.
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” (Phil. 4:11-12)
Then we get to “I can do all things through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13).
Do you see it? This verse is not about our potential. It’s about our contentment. And that’s the complete opposite of what the influencers are telling us. While influencers tell us we can do anything we set our minds to, God tells us we are to be content where we are, and that it’s possible through his strength! When we become obsessed with becoming our “best selves,” God tells us to focus on becoming more like Christ. Reading this verse incorrectly actually encourages us to be discontent, because we’re constantly longing for our version of better. But what if God’s version of better doesn’t change our circumstances? What then?
The “all things” in this verse is contentment. I can live in any situation with contentment because God gives me strength to do so.
~ Emily Richardson
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