Is that what this verse really means?
Will Jesus help you give you the strength to lift a mini-bus for fun and profit?
Possibly, if lifting heavy items is your gift from God, but If you read the entire chapter, I think you will find it really means something else.
Philippians 4: 11-13 reads 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Paul is thanking the Philippians for their concern for his well being. Later in the chapter Paul thanks them for sending him supplies.
What Paul is trying to get across here is that because of his faith in Jesus, he is content no matter what. He is content in poverty as well as in plenty. His faith that Jesus helped him to be content.
Paul is sharing the secret of contentment!
Do everything through Jesus and you can be content.
I know that being content doesn't sound as exciting as being able to get all your desires fulfilled, but if you really think about it, humans are rarely content with what they have or what they do. We never have enough money or enough stuff. We never seem to quite stack up to others.
But really, wouldn't it be wonderful to truly be content in every situation in life? What a burden that would release us from!
Think about what an awesome blessing this verse gives us.
Yes, Jesus can and will perform miracles in your life if you trust in Him. Jesus does answer the prayers of the faithful, but this talks about contentment through Jesus Christ.
I can just hear you saying " but what about Psalm 37:4? Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Try reading all of Psalm 34
Psalm 34: 3-6
Trust in the Lord and do good, dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.Commit your way to the Lord, trust in him and he will do this:He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
Do you notice here we are told to TRUST, TAKE DELIGHT and COMMIT YOUR WAY to God?
Now take a look at Psalm 34:7-11. what are we told to do in these next verses?
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him, do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret —it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.
Wow! We have a lot of work to do before we get to that desires of our hearts thing, don't we?
Be Still
Wait Patiently for God
Don't fret
Refrain from anger, turn away from wrath
Hope in the Lord
Be Meek
It might be easier to be content through Jesus don't you think?
Have you found the secret of contentment through Jesus?
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