The grace of transformation.

We want a Philippians 4:13 life, but what we really need is a Philippians 4:11-12 one.

“I can do all things through a verse taken out of context.”

I saw that phrase years ago and I can’t get it out of my head. Probably because I grew up taking the verse it’s referring to, Philippians 4:13, wildly out of context.

That verse is this:

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” The “him” is Jesus.

• Need to pass an exam you didn’t study for? Philippians 4:13.

• Need to pay your bills? Philippians 4:13.

• Have a big football game? Philippians 4:13.

• Want to be healthy for your big vacation to Hawaii? Philippians 4:13.

You get the picture. And yet, the true context of that verse is so much better. So much richer. And so much more… opposite. And that’s what I need you to hear today. Today is all about the grace of transformation. About “uncomfortable grace.”

It won’t tickle your years, but it will strengthen your soul.

First, you should know why I’m bringing this to you. Well, today is a big day in our household. I can’t get into all the details for a variety of reasons, but it’s a day filled with oaths and lawyers and uncertainty. It’s a day we’ve been both looking forward to and dreading. For so many reasons.

As you’re reading this, we’re either in the thick of it or we’ve just finished. And I don’t know exactly how we’re doing. I’m sure you’ll read about it to some degree soon. But in the lead up to today, there’s been a lot of anxiety, uncertainty, and trials. So many trials.

So when my wife told me to open up Paul David Tripp’s March 8th entry in his devotional, “New Morning Mercies,” I figured it had to be related. I had no idea how relevant it would be.

If you have some trials in your life that you’ve dealt with or are dealing with, or want to prepare for, you’re going to want to strap in. Because what you’re about to read is good. Not easy, but good. And it will rock you more than the band Queen ever could.

I’m going to give you some of the quotes from Tripp’s entry and then explain how they apply to Philippians 4:13. And it’s pretty amazing. First, here are the quotes: