By Carol Round –“ I can do all this through Him who gives me strength”— Philippians 4:13 (NIV).
Writing in my journal this morning, I poured out my heart to God. I was feeling like a failure. Hoping to accomplish some major tasks in 2024, I’d made four goals at the beginning of this year. I had set deadlines for three of the four goals. So far, I’d accomplished zilch.
That isn’t completely true. Before I gave up, I’d memorized 15 scriptures about God’s promises. My goal was to memorize 52—one a week—before the end of this year. I’ve also completed an online writing course for a magazine for which I hope to write. I didn’t meet my penned deadline for submitting a query. I’d come close but had done nothing toward meeting goals number three and four.
As my pen flowed across the lined pages of my journal, I asked my Abba Father, “Does that mean I’m a failure? Why didn’t I follow through?” I could make all kinds of excuses but in my mind, there were none. Then, I heard that still, small voice reminding me of something I’d forgotten: “You were trying to accomplish those goals in your strength.”
Doing Things in Our Strength
Hearing that still small voice, I was startled. I wrote in my journal, “I’m sorry, Father, for not asking for your help. I tried to do it in my own power. Thank you for the reminder.”
I’d fallen back into my old ways, pushing forward and trying to do things in my strength. For me, it was a wake-up call. A reminder.
Philippians 4:13 was one of the first scriptures I memorized after rededicating my life to Him in my 40s. It’s a scripture I found myself clinging to at a critical time in my life. I was lost, needing direction as my life took a different path—a path I chose but never planned to be on.
Where Our Paths Lead
I was led this morning to reread Philippians 4, as well as the commentary. Growing in Christ these past 20-plus years, I know this verse is often taken out of context. Paul, the author of Philippians, was specifically referring to the ability of a Christian to endure hardship and persecution.
Christians often take this scripture to mean they can do anything with God’s help. However, this verse does not teach us that we can accomplish any task simply because we’re saved.
Instead, in Chapter 4, Paul emphasizes he is just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. He is content whatever the circumstances. Paul knows that whatever he has, wherever he is, he can make it through anything with God.
Making it Through Anything
While lamenting the failure concerning my goals, I realized I’d set those goals without asking for God’s direction. Maybe that’s why I feel like a failure. Focused on what I wanted to do this year, I didn’t seek His guidance.
Or maybe, my four goals were too lofty. Maybe God is trying to get me to slow down. I admit my propensity to tackle too much—a holdover from my younger years when I pushed and pushed to get things done. Focused on my agenda, I often overlooked the needs of others.
Looking over my goals again, I realize my excitement and confidence when I wrote them did not factor in interruptions, health issues, and worldly distractions. Instead of feeling like a failure, I cling to this: God loves us whether we meet our goals or not.
