Have you ever read a prayer letter from a missionary?  Some of our missionaries send out prayer letters monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly explaining the work they are doing on the field and how we can better pray for them as God meets their needs.  The Book of Philippians is actually a prayer letter written by a missionary and sent to one of his supporting churches.  So, perhaps you have read a missionary prayer letter before.  

Paul says in Philippians 4:10-13 – “ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Paul was rejoicing that this church in Philippi was now able to financially support him again with his needs.  There had been a season where perhaps they were unable to provide for Paul as they had previously, but their care of him had “revived” (ESV) or “flourished again” (KJV) as they had sent a man from Philippi named Epaphroditus to provide for Paul’s needs while he was imprisoned.  It is through this context that Paul makes a statement that has become famous “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Few verses have been taken out of context the way that this verse has been.  Paul wasn’t saying that through Christ, he could be strengthened to do whatever he decided to do.  Rather, Paul was saying that regardless of the state of circumstances God had placed him in—he knew he could make it through anything because it was Christ who was providing the strength he needed.  

Paul was going to be content with whatever he received and with wherever it came from.  Paul was saying–I appreciate your support, but if you are at some point unable to give as you’ve given before, God will supply my needs.  In fact, I can do anything because it is Him who gives me strength.  So then, in bad times—I can make it!  When people abandon me—I can make it!  When haters blast me for how I serve Jesus—I can make it!  When people criticize and attack my family—I can make it!  When I’ve got more month than I’ve got money—I can make it!  Why?  Because, I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength to make it!

Paul had learned to be content in whatever situation God placed him.  If I’m being honest with you, I’m personally not there yet!  I don’t know what you’re up against today, but God wants to take your situation and use it for your good and ultimately for His glory.  He wants to remind us that wherever we find ourselves, we can make it, because it is only through Him that we can find the strength.