Philippians 4:10-13 TPT Paul Thanks the Philippians for Their Support
10 My heart overflows with joy when I think of how you demonstrated love to me by your financial support of my ministry. For even though you have so little, you still continue to help me at every opportunity. 11 I’m not telling you this because I’m in need, for I have learned to be satisfied in any circumstance [to give up everything I have]. 12–13 I know what it means to lack, [to be humbled] and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’m trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty [translates: to master all things].
Life brings many challenges these days to people on a global level. Even though, as God’s children, we are experiencing the love and blessing of the Father each day, there are still areas in our lives experiencing lack—needing the work of the Savior. It makes sense to me that these challenging times would come, because we are a people in need of God’s righteous work in our lives. He is so good to bring the abundance of his presence to our confessed areas of lack as we yield to his love and work of grace; what he can do in our behalf.
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians—regarding his challenges—really prompts me to broaden my thoughts about the variety of challenges in my own life. Paul’s initial focus is about his financial challenges and need for support, but in my spirit it translates to reflect truth for every difficulty we face in life. God is for us! (Romans 8:31). In verse 13 from our passage today, Paul shares his testimony: “And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.” To conquer every difficulty is to spiritually master it or to take dominion over it.
How do we “master” the difficulties? Well, God has given us a measure of faith—even a small grain of faith can move mountains—so, we must use our faith and place our confidence in God (Mat 17:20). God has connected us to Christ who has been made Wisdom for our benefit to free us from sin, so the challenges we face are an opportunity for the Spirit in us to bring salvation, restoration, reconciliation, deliverance, and other renewing works directed by the Father (1 Cor 1:30). So, when difficulties come, we can spiritually master each one in Christ’s strength and wisdom for God’s glory, because he has promised to make it all work for our good (Phil 4:13; Rom 8:28). The Lord fights for us, goes before us in all our battles, and is greater than anything the enemy can throw our way (1 John 4:4).
Prayer: Lord, I pray my faith in you causes me to overcome every lack; may my faith in you be greater than the challenges the enemy sends to rob, steal, and destroy. Thank you for the abundance you provide each day and for helping me live in awe and gratitude. Open my eyes to see the work of your hands. In Jesus’ name. Amen.