GOD’S PROMISES

The promises written by Paul are NOT Paul’s promises. They are God’s promises. Paul was the faulty and frail human scribe who wrote God’s words. As you read the Prison Epistles, remember that the promises of “grace to you and peace”(Ephesians 1:2), of “every spiritual blessing” (Ephesians 1:3), and of “the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 1:13), are inspired words that come directly from the throne of God!

Let’s look at one more promise…

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV).

Paul didn’t say, and God didn’t promise, that we would be healthy, wealthy, or prosperous… Paul said that we can expect God to strengthen us.

And God didn’t promise that we would be victorious or successful because we’re smart … or hardworking … or religious …

Paul’s prison promise must be read in context. “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11–13).

Paul was in prison, deprived of comfort and luxury. He knew the strengthening power of God’s presence.

How about you? Have you learned to be content in every circumstance? In heartbreak, difficulty, tragedy, we can cling to Paul’s prison promise… “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).