How Philippians 4:13 Inspires Me to Lift Weights
I love lifting weights. It makes me feel strong, healthy, and confident. But sometimes, I face challenges that seem too hard for me. Maybe it’s a heavy barbell that I can’t lift, or a long workout that I can’t finish, or a nagging injury that I can’t heal. In those moments, I need something more than my own strength. I need God’s strength.
That’s why I love Philippians 4:13. It says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (KJV) This verse reminds me that with God’s help, I can overcome any obstacle and achieve any goal. It also reminds me that God cares about every aspect of my life, even my fitness.
But what does this verse really mean? Does it mean that God will make me lift any weight I want, or run any distance I want, or heal any wound I want? No, it doesn’t. It means that God will give me the strength to do what he wants me to do, and what he has called me to do.
The context of this verse is important. The apostle Paul wrote it to the church of Philippi, a group of Christians who were facing persecution, poverty, and hardship. Paul himself was in prison when he wrote this letter. He was not talking about achieving worldly success or personal glory. He was talking about being content and joyful in any situation, whether he had plenty or little, whether he was free or imprisoned, whether he was healthy or sick.
He said in Philippians 4:11-12, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (KJV)
So how does this apply to lifting weights? Well, it means that I can be thankful for the opportunity to exercise and take care of my body, which is a gift from God. It means that I can trust God to provide me with the resources and the guidance I need to train effectively and safely. It means that I can accept my limitations and weaknesses as opportunities to grow and depend on God more. It means that I can celebrate my achievements and progress as signs of God’s grace and power working in me.
It also means that lifting weights is not the ultimate goal of my life. It is a means to an end, not an end in itself. The end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Lifting weights is one way that I can honor God with my body, serve others with my gifts, and express my worship and gratitude to him.
So whenever I face a challenge in the gym, or in life, I remember Philippians 4:13. I remember that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And then I lift the barbell with faith and joy.