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Win or Lose, I win!
Rod ShimabukuroPhilippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
This is one of the most misused, misapplied verse in modern Christianity. I’ve seen this verse on sports memorabilia, used in context of accomplishing great feats, winning or beating the odds, tattooed on the bodies of extreme sports figures. As if to say that Paul meant for all of us to be overcomers and victorious in battle, overcoming fears, doubts and the like.
When I read the context, and what I believe Paul meant to his audience - this passage is intended for Christians, not only to look within to win, but to look to God, who supplies all our needs, according to His riches and honor (v20).
What if I viewed v13 in light of Phil 3: 20-21? How would I view my desires to be victorious in battle, overcomer in struggle, etc? ---- 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. ----
Then my prayer or stance of confidence may not be in what “I CAN DO” to overcome - as if I’m “USING JESUS’ STRENGTH” for my gain. It would be more like: Lord I trust your empowering, enabling presence to give me strength to trust you - that I may be content and strong through my struggle - WIN OR LOSE!
So that’s it - my application: Win or Lose, Wanting or Waning - help me to trust in You - give me strength to live for You - because ultimately, my citizenship is in heaven. Win or Lose... I win!
Then my prayer or stance of confidence may not be in what “I CAN DO” to overcome - as if I’m “USING JESUS’ STRENGTH” for my gain. It would be more like: Lord I trust your empowering, enabling presence to give me strength to trust you - that I may be content and strong through my struggle - WIN OR LOSE!
So that’s it - my application: Win or Lose, Wanting or Waning - help me to trust in You - give me strength to live for You - because ultimately, my citizenship is in heaven. Win or Lose... I win!
So Lord - through my disease for more of “Me” - more wanting to gain, to win, to overcome, to be the best, successful, win applauses, trophy’s...may I rest in my citizenship in You, knowing that I can do all things through Jesus to overcome, to be defeated - to be gain, win or lose, whether successful or homeless - O God - have mercy on me - to serve You, love You, with all my heart and life!
