I Can Do All Things -- Phil 4:13 in Context

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In the 2011 movie Soul Surfer, 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton lies on her hospital bed. She is a prize-winning surfer who just lost her left arm in a shark attack. Fearful that she will have to give up her life's passion, she asks her father (played by Dennis Quaid) when she can get back on her surfboard. He leans toward her and begins to quote (sort of) Philippians 4:13, "You can do all things." At this point, Bethany joins in and recites it with her father, "Through him who strengthens me."

Here's a link to the movie clip.

The real life story of Bethany Hamilton is touching and inspirational. I'm all for her and her story. The movie is a great pick-me-up, and I am grateful for any film that puts a relatively good spin on Christian faith.

But something here is lost in translation (so to speak). Paul's statement in Phil 4:13 comes across as an endorsement for wishful thinking. One might get the sense that Christians think Jesus can help them do anything they way -- no matter how difficult the odds.

I recall a young man who believed God wanted him to play college football. He had already graduated from high school and enrolled at a university with a highly successful NCAA Division 1 football program. He planned to walk on and allow his story to lead others to Jesus. He was certain God wanted him to do this and that God would make it possible.

I have nothing against dreams, even big ones. We should all aspire to do something remarkable. But too many contemporary Christians think Phil 4:13 means that a little faith will allow us to do anything we want. This is far from the truth.

Take a moment to realize a couple quick things: (1) Paul was in jail when he wrote this. (2) Paul was the victim of vicious attacks by some fellow Christian preachers. Neither situation was what Paul would have scripted for his life. These hindered his ability to freely preach and teach about Jesus Christ.

In spite of this, Paul gave glory to God. And he declared that his contentment was not dependent on his life circumstance. Whether rich or poor, hungry or well-fed, he had learned how to be content. Christ Jesus was all he needed. He could survive without food or money, but not without Jesus.

This is the context for his statement, "I can do all things through him who gives me strength." By "all things," he doesn't mean he can do anything he wants. (Remember his own circumstances!) He is saying that he can survive anything because he has Jesus, and that's all he needs. He can make it through any life situation as long as Jesus is with him.

The beauty of Paul's words mean that we don't have to put God to the test with crazy wishes and demands. Rather, we do our best with what life gives us. And no matter what comes our way, with Jesus it will be okay. By okay, I don't mean that we'll get what we want -- but that we will make it, and that we can be content with Jesus who gives us strength.

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