Philippians 4:13

Listen:

“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Reflect:

This verse was used many times in my childhood as a battle cry: “…to scream so loud, that we would not hear our weaknesses–because we were ‘more than conquerors!’”

I am writing this Tuesday Together devotional today, just two days after I got “not so good” news from the doctor. They saw metastases on the CT scan in my sternum, possibly caused by my breast cancer from 17 years ago. I have never lived with the thought that this would come back, so was completely surprised and shocked, as you may understand.

The verse from Philippians 4:13 has been on my kitchen counter for the last several months, but in the Message translation. I hope you don’t mind that I want to share that version, which seems somewhat different from the version above.

 “Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One, who makes me who I am”. (Philippians 4:13, The Message) This verse is not a scream for me this time to ignore my problem, but an anchor of hope! I am clinging on to the One, who can transform me, through any circumstance. Whatever I have, yes cancer, I can make it through the One, who makes me who I am. Will it be easy? No, definitely not. My strength is in my identity in God: His beloved child. He knows, He cares. What more do I need?!

A long way to go, many uncertainties. But I can make it through HIM and His power of grace!

PS: Mathilde received the results from her PET Scan from her Oncologist: he believes the spots on her Sternum, vertebrae, and ribs are metastases but the source still unclear. She will have a bone biopsy on August 5th, receiving results on August 13 to determine exact treatment. Friends, please continue to hold Mathilde and her family in prayer. May she experience the mighty presence of her Redeemer in very personal ways during this journey.

Questions to Ponder:

• How do you deal with uncertainties and difficulties in your life?
• Do you believe that God can transform you through the suffering you are going through?
•  What is your hope based on?

Prayer of Response:

Dear Lord Jesus, we need You badly for all our circumstances, whatever they are today! Help us to go back over and over again, to the One, who can carry us through! Give us the courage, to be able to look at our fears, loneliness, powerlessness, in the assurance, that You have suffered the same at the cross. We thank You, that we can exchange our sorrows at the cross. Thank you Jesus!

—Submitted by Mathilde Companjen
Mathilde Companjen is married to Barth for 46 years. She is a mother of four daughters and grandmother of four grandchildren. Mathilde is Dutch and lives in the Netherlands. She has been a faithful Lifesprings International leader and prayer team member for over 10 years.