Philippians 4:11-13 "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13 is a common verse that we hear often, but sadly it's usually applied to sports or some other activity.  How many Christian posters or pictures have you seen with this verse (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me) and a weight lifter raising a huge barbell over his head.  I know UFC fighter Matt Hughes uses it as his slogan and have seen it on basketball posters as well.  

Now I don't suppose God meant for this verse to be a 'Christ will help you score that winning basket' or 'Christ will strengthen you so you can lift that heavy weight' or 'Christ will strengthen you so you can punch, kick and finally choke out your opponent in a steel cage!'

If we look again at verse 11 and 12 we can see that Paul learned to be content in any circumstance, he learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, having much and suffering need.  Paul had to learn this, it's not something that comes naturally for us to be content in any circumstance.  How did Paul learn to be content in any circumstance?  Because of Christ; it is through Him that Paul got his strength and contentment.

Do the circumstances around you dictate your mood?  Have you learned to be content in Christ; with Him giving you the strength to be content?