“How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.”
Philippians 4:13 is among the most quoted Bible verses, emblazoned on hats and mugs and key chains and Bible covers. Ripped out of its context, it’s a feel-good pick-me-up that makes us feel hopeful. Looking more closely at Paul’s writing throughout this letter, however, this cheery verse is actually all about suffering.
Paul has been through it all. He has legitimately suffered. His friends were concerned for his well-being. He has gone without food and been stripped of earthly possessions, and he has had times of plenty. He is able to suffer because he has found the secret: the supernatural power of Jesus Christ. He is currently in prison, letting his friends know that they shouldn’t worry too much about him because his strength to persevere comes from God.
It’s not a popular message, and it doesn’t sell well on coffee mugs. But there is freedom in suffering. Paul had found a supernatural secret because of his suffering. He had learned how to find strength from someone bigger than himself because he needed that strength to survive. If he had been comfortable and not gone through hardship, it’s possible he would never have learned how to rely on God. Suffering connects us to our desperation. That’s when we are free to rely solely on the supernatural power and strength of God.