In the 1992 cartoon Aladdin, Alladin tricked the evil Jafar into wishing to be a more powerful genie than Genie himself. Jafar exclaims, “The universe is mine to command, mine to control!” But as the enslaving cufflinks form on his hands, Jafar is sucked into the tiny genie lamp which becomes his prison. Aladdin reflects, “Phenomenal cosmic powers. Itty-bitty living space.” Ah, the price of ‘uncontrollable power.’ 🙂

Perhaps in a strange way this points out how we are sometimes mislead by a simplified approach to achieving success and control over our lives. For example many people quote Philippians 4:13 as if it were a magic genie phrase: “I can do all things through him (Christ) who strengthens me.” It is absolutely true that believers in Jesus do have access to supernatural power, to overcome darkness, to endure suffering with faith, even to participate in God’s demonstration of miracles. But it is not quite the same as super hero powers that bring attention to ourselves.

In fact, whenever you come across a verse that speaks deeply to you, you might consider the context of that verse. Often the ‘secret’ that unlocks the truth of that verse is found just before, or sometimes just after the ‘famous’ verse. In this case, it is found in verses 11 and 12 of chapter four. Paul writes:
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Do you see it? It is not that he can outrun a speeding bullet or leap over a tall building or other physical feat. Nor does he automatically have the power to escape his painful circumstances. But he has learned to be content in whatever situation he confronts: prison, beatings, humiliation, shipwrecks, being falsely accused, and physical pain. His circumstances don’t control him. So rare is this, he calls it learning a “secret,” one that allows him to bear all things, to do all things, because in this contentment, Christ gives him the strength to do so.

This is not a contentment that says, “Oh well, I guess this is the best I get,” but rather a deep satisfaction that this situation will work for good, because that is God’s design. In fact he earlier proclaims, “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12) Bad things sometimes happen so good can be advanced!

I wonder, have you learned the “secret” of being content? It is something you may learn and apply, and then keep learning all your life. In what areas of your life could you be more content, and thereby learn to do all things?