Paul says in Philippians 4:13, “ I can do all things through Him (Jesus) who strengthens me. Now this is not a promise that you can just claim. In fact Paul is not talking about us when he makes this statement. He is talking about himself. He has come to the place in life that he learned to be content in all circumstances in life and now he can tell us that he can do anything now.

Many people use this verse as a mantra to pump themselves up to handle difficult situations in life. But most people are disillusioned by it not coming true in their life. For most the difficulties of life overwhelmed them and they react in frustration, anger, and restlessness.

So how did Paul get to the point that he can say, “I can do all things.” 

Notice that in verse 11 he says, “I have learned.” The Greek word means to learn by use and by practice. Paul has struggled through life to learn how to live. We all have to walk the same road in life. Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

When we walk by faith in Jesus Christ we learn to be gentle. Gentle people are the most powerful people in the world because they have control of their emotions and their feelings. They learn to react carefully and correctly in life. We also learn from Jesus to be humble. Humility is reaching the point where we consider others more important than ourselves.

These qualities are the most difficult of life to obtain, and they come through the struggles of life. They come as we walk by faith and learn to trust Jesus Christ to take care of us. When you have learned these lessons, then you can say, “I can do all things.”

“I can do all things” is not a promise to all but a statement of fact to those who have learned from Christ and have found rest for their souls.