“9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Many times, we see verse 13 used to say that we can do anything. However, in context, Paul is talking about being content. It is amazing to note that he was in prison when he wrote this. The churches had helped him what they could, but could not provide for all his needs. (Only God can truly meet our needs!)
He mentions that he has learned to be content whether he has little or much. This is where the “I can do all things through Christ which steengtheneth me comes in.” He can only be content through Christ strengthening him.
I don’t know about you, but that takes pressure off. I struggle with contentment on my own, but can be content in Christ’s strength. I can be content!! I know it is hard as our health changes and limits us. Yet, God! Contentment is possible through Him!
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