Not exactly sure why, but oh, the difference two words can make.

Hovering over a few verses in Philippians 4 this morning, verses I have known since near the beginning of my walk with Jesus over 45 years ago. In particular, one verse, a verse that has always been a “promise to claim” (thus, I’ve always shaded it with my orange-colored pencil). But reading it this morning in the CSB I wonder if this “promise to claim” isn’t really more of a statement of the reality of who I am as a child of God (thus, this morning I’ve shaded it with my red-colored pencil).

I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

(Philippians 4:13 CSB)

Until this morning’s reading, I’ve always known this verse as “I can do all things . . .” But chewing on it this morning as “I am able to” adds a dimension to it that brings out new flavor in this well-known truth.

“I can” somehow sounds more wishful than wired in. More like the little train who thought he could than those big, powerful trains who just knew it was in them. I know it’s nuanced, but seems to me there’s a difference between claiming the promise of wanting to realize something and tapping into the reality of something which is already and always available. I am able to . . . though Him who strengthens me.

This truth is an extension of Galatians 2:20, isn’t it? I have been crucified with Christ and, through the Spirit, Christ is alive in me. So that the life I now live I live by faith in the Son of God, the Son of God who can do all things. Thus, through Him who strengthens me, I too am able to do all things, as well. You could say that no matter what life throws at the believer, the believer can deal with it because he or she is able-bodied.

It’s the secret sauce (literally) behind the reality of what Paul’s just written:

. . . for 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.

(Philippians 4:11-12 CSB)

What’s the secret of being content? Seems it’s believing that we are able-bodied, that whether in feast or famine, dealing with life or death, winning or losing, we can know a peace that passes understanding (Php. 4:7) because we are able to do all things through Him who strengthens us. We are supernaturally wired for dealing with life in all seasons and circumstance. It’s how we experientially know that His grace really is sufficient (2Cor. 12:9) and that His mercies really are new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23) — because we are able-bodied.

Don’t know if this is making sense as I try and put it in words, but it’s kind of got me jazzed this morning. Thanks to the CSB, I’m reminded that not only can I “make it through anything” (MSG) , but I am also able to.

Through Him who gives me strength, I am able-bodied.

By His abundant, free-flowing grace alone. Always for His glory alone.