Steve Gaines

Each of the thousands of promises in the Bible is a special gift from God to His beloved children. His promises give joy for sorrow and hope for despair. Perhaps no promise is more quoted than Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” What makes it so special?

It is a personal promise. Notice that Paul said “I.” This was not something about which he had heard someone else speak. Rather he knew what it was to have Christ for his support. You can place your name where Paul’s “I” is in this verse and make it yours today.

It is a positive promise. Paul spoke positively, not negatively. He walked in faith and victory, not in fear and defeat. We, too, have every reason for being positive in Christ. After all, every one of God’s promises in Christ is “Yes, not “No” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

It is a productive promise. Paul said, “I can do.” He was not lazy. He served God with all his might as well as with his heart. We also should work diligently and do good works that bring glory to Jesus (Matthew 5:16).

It is a pervasive promise. “I can do all things.” Paul had learned how to thrive in both abundance and poverty. He was prepared to face any challenge. Even so, because of Jesus, we can experience victory in all areas.

Finally, it is a powerful promise. Jesus empowered Paul for every deed he was required to perform. We, too, can depend on Christ to give us the necessary strength to live the Christian life and to obey all aspects of His perfect will for our lives.

The length of this promise may be short, but its depth is immeasurable. May these simple, profound words infuse you with God’s supernatural power today.