"Doing All Things Through Christ"

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11b-13 NIV).

Our reading today has been so misinterpreted through the years. We have taken the first two verses and used them to sanction failure in our lives while ignoring the incredible promise of the last verse. It is true that the apostle is stating the principle of true contentment being centered in our relationship with Christ, however he also makes certain that he tells his readers that all things are possible through the strength of Christ.

Someone has said, Can’t is the poison that exterminates success. Where would the world be if Einstein would have believed “can’t.” After all, he couldn’t speak until he was four and couldn’t read until he was seven. Or where would the world of music be if Beethoven would have believed his music teacher who said, “As a composer he is hopeless.” Walt Disney was fired as a newspaper editor saying “he has no good ideas.” There are countless other examples of people who were told they can’t, yet they did. I believe here are the steps that made the difference:

 First, they crystallized their thinking. A great part of contentment is in understanding who we are and what God has called us to do and be. As we discover that position, in His strength, nothing is too great to accomplish.
 Second, they developed a plan of action. While Paul had learned how to be content in any situation, he was never satisfied with less than his best. He trained and disciplined his body and mind to be the best he could be in any situation. He planned for it.
 Third, they developed a desire to reach their goals. Did you know that Edison failed 100 times before reaching just the right combination in the invention of the light bulb? What if he would have quit after 99? How many times are you willing to fail in order to succeed?
 Fourth, they had a sincere confidence in God. There are many examples of this principle in the Scripture. Noah comes immediately to mind. He preached and worked on the ark for 80 years before God brought the first rain drop! Yet he believed and continued!
 Fifth, they all followed through to the end; they never quit! Where would the world be if Paul would have quit after his first imprisonment, or his first rejection?

I must confess I have not always followed these principles. I have been shaken at times at the turn of events in my life. However, when I get back on the path God has given me to follow I have always been rewarded with joy and peace. That’s when I achieve the most success! How about you? Are you ready to do all things through Christ?