SkiesBible verse
Philippians 4:13: I can do all things
A verse on locker rooms and wristbands, first written from prison about being content.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
In Philippians 4:13 Paul writes, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” The verses before it show what he means: he has learned to be content whether hungry or well fed, poor or comfortable. The “all things” is about facing every circumstance with Christ’s strength, not about winning every contest.
The context
Paul wrote Philippians from prison, thanking a church that had sent him help. He wants them to know he isn’t dependent on their gift: “I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances” (v. 11). He has known plenty and he has known hunger. The secret in both is Christ’s strength.
What it means for you
Philippians 4:13 is a promise for the hard days and the ordinary ones: a diagnosis, a lost job, a lonely season, even too much success. Christ gives the strength to stay faithful and content in all of it. That is a bigger promise than winning the game.
Pray it
Lord Jesus, I can’t face everything on my own. Teach me to be content in plenty and in need. Give me your strength for what is in front of me today. Amen.
Read alongside
I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11–13
Questions people ask
Does Philippians 4:13 mean I can do anything I want?
No. In context Paul is talking about contentment in every circumstance, whether hungry or well fed (Philippians 4:11–12). The promise is strength to be faithful in whatever comes.
