Is a can-do attitude something worth aiming for? Or might it point us in the wrong direction?
In February 1943, a poster created by J. Howard Miller appeared on the walls of Westinghouse Electric, meant to encourage women who’d been hired during the war effort. Used only in-house, and gone after a month, the poster wasn’t rediscovered until the early 1980s, when the women’s movement claimed “Rosie the Riveter” as their own.
Since then we’ve seen her everywhere — postage stamps, coffee mugs, tee shirts, you name it. In fact, this seventy-year-old poster is still one of the ten most-requested images from the National Archives. A real favorite. Which brings us to this week’s verse.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
So, should Christians write “Philippians 4:13” across the bottom of this can-do poster? Let’s take a look.
I can do… Philippians 4:13
In Greek, ischuó means, “I am strong.” Your Bible may say “I am ready” (AMP), “I am able” (HCSB), or “I can endure” (CEB).
Can-do people are confident and resourceful, with a positive attitude marked by enthusiasm and efficiency.
So, is that a bad thing? Not at all. It just isn’t necessarily a God thing.
Rather than assure the new believers at Philippi that they could make it on their own, the apostle Paul is telling them — and us — just the opposite. The only way we can do anything is through Christ.
…all this… Philippians 4:13
Right. That means “anything” (AMP), “everything” (GW), and “all these things” (CEB). Basically, “whatever” (ERV) life throws at us, Paul promises we can handle.
After all, he did. In the verses leading up to this one, Paul admits, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11).
We may love Philippians 4:13, but only two people in nearly a thousand voted for verse 11 as their favorite. Hmmm. Maybe it’s because most of us aren’t there yet (definitely my story). If you know a woman who is truly content in every circumstance, ask her what her secret is. No doubt she’ll say it’s her relationship with God.
Alas, many of us who know and love him still aren’t all the way to maximum contentment. And no one flagged verse 12 as their go-to: “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” (Philippians 4:12).
Oh my. I had some very lean years in my early twenties, working three jobs and donating plasma for much-needed cash. But I still had a roof over my head, a ten-year-old VW parked at the curb and, on some Mondays, a bag of fresh vegetables from a friend’s garden. By the world’s standards, I was a long way from living in want.
Only a person like Paul who has “been there” can say “done that.” When Paul declares, “I can do all this,” it’s clear where his strength comes from. For the rest of us, we get so excited about claiming, “I can do all things!” that we risk forgetting whose sacrifice makes that possible.
…through him… Philippians 4:13
This powerful truth is buried in the middle of the verse, like a well-oiled hinge that lets us walk through the open gateway. Some translations get more specific—“by the power of Christ” (NIRV) and “through the Anointed One” — but the original Greek just says, “in the one.”
Why doesn’t Paul spell it out for us? Or mention the Lord first in the verse — “Through Christ, I can do all this” — so we’d be sure to get it right? Because Paul always talks about, writes about, and preaches about Jesus. Paul’s letters have no other theme but “the One” (MSG).
…who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
His strength is enough, beloved. More than sufficient. Beyond plenty.
The Lord doesn’t simply encourage us. He also “empowers” (AMP) and “infuses” (AMP) us. Paul rightly affirms Christ “is my power and strength” (VOICE), the one “who makes me who I am” (MSG).
Rachelle chose this verse because it “kept me going during the final hours of labour with our daughter.” Lana picked it too, commenting, “This verse is my assurance that I am valued and valuable.” And Robyn wrote, “On those days when I feel as if I can’t do anything, this verse assures me that God can and will guide my steps and give me what I need.”
It’s a war slogan, all right. A shout-out to the enemy. A cry for victory in the midst of battle.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Now it’s your turn:
What do you need strength for right now? And how might the truth of this verse help you? To share your thoughts, add your response under Post a Comment at the bottom. Your words really do make a difference.
Watch for our last two favorite verses to arrive close on the heels of this one. I’ve loved writing this series for you. Bless you for choosing such rich verses to unpack.
Your sister, Liz
