The verse still works when you lose

Paul knew how to go hungry.

That belongs in the verse we keep quoting.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

Paul knew how to have enough. He knew how to suffer need. Full and hungry are both in the passage.

Christ strengthened him in both.

We can turn that verse into a promise that the thing we want will happen. Then it doesn’t happen, and we wonder what went wrong with our faith.

The strength was there when the meal wasn’t.

Put your finger on all things in verse thirteen. Read back through verse twelve. Paul names the conditions he means.

Then go back one verse further. Notice that he learned contentment. Even the man who wrote the verse had to learn it.

He could also receive help and rejoice in it. That’s what he’s doing in verse ten. Contentment didn’t make their help unnecessary.

The Vault includes How to Study the Bible Like Your Life Depends on It, a guide to reading a passage in context. It sits alongside The Plain Bible Manual and the marriage and household studies.

The Vault is $197 through Monday, September 7. Normally $365. One payment for downloadable studies you keep.

Purchases this week also help keep this work going and the family behind it.

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Adam