“I can do all things through Messiah who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Most believers have heard Philippians 4:13 quoted before a difficult exam, during an illness, before a sporting event, or while enduring hardship. Those applications certainly have value, because the immediate context of the passage is about being content in every circumstance. However, the principle Paul teaches is much broader than simply ‘getting through hard times.’ From a Messianic perspective, this verse can also be understood as Messiah empowering His followers to faithfully walk in obedience to Yah’s commandments
In fact, when we read the surrounding verses, Paul says:
“I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. I can do all things through Messiah who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:12-13)
The ‘all things’ isn't about accomplishing every dream imaginable. It is about remaining faithful regardless of one's circumstances. That naturally includes remaining faithful to Elohim’s instructions when obedience becomes difficult.
Is Elohim's Torah Impossible?
One of the biggest objections people raise against Torah observance is:
“Nobody can keep it.”
Yet Scripture repeatedly says the exact opposite.
“For this commandment which I command you today is not too hard for you or too distant. It is not in heaven, that you should say, “Who will go up for us to heaven, bring it to us, and proclaim it to us, that we may do it?” Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, “Who will go over the sea for us, bring it to us, and proclaim it to us, that we may do it?” But the word is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.” (Deuteronomy 30:11-14)
Notice what Moses doesn't say.
He doesn't say:
- “This commandment is impossible.”
- “One day the Messiah will replace it because no one can do it.”
- “Don't worry about keeping it.”
Instead, he tells Israel that Elohim's commandments are accessible and doable.
If Elohim Himself says His commandments are not too difficult, where did the idea that they are impossible originate from?
David’s View of Torah
How does the man after Elohim’s own heart view the Torah?
“The Torah of Yah is perfect, restoring the soul. The witness of Yah is trustworthy, making wise the simple; The orders of Yah are straight, rejoicing the heart; The command of Yah is clear, enlightening the eyes.” (Psalms 19:7-8)
In this same chapter David goes on to describe the Torah as being sweeter than honey. To highlight David’s high esteem for Yah’s instructions he says the Torah is:
- Perfect
- Restoring the soul
- Trustworthy
- Righteous
- Sweeter than honey
Would David describe the Torah this way if he believed it was impossible to obey? The answer seems obvious.
The Apostles Agree
The disciples of the Master Yeshua are in harmony with the writers of the Older Testament, not in opposition to them.
“For this is loving Elohim, that we keep his commandments. His commandments are not grievous.” (1 John 5:3)
Moses wrote that the Torah is not too hard, likewise, John says the commandments are not grievous or burdensome. The message did not change.
So Why Does Obedience Feel Hard?
Yes, the Torah is not impossible. But that doesn't mean it is always easy. There is an important distinction between impossible and difficult.
Keeping the Sabbath in a culture that never stops working can be difficult. Refusing unclean foods at family gatherings can be difficult. Rejecting pagan traditions can be difficult. Standing against popular theology can be difficult. Remaining faithful when friends mock you can be difficult. Yet none of these are impossible. That is where Philippians 4:13 shines as a verse for encouragement. Not as a slogan for achieving personal success, but as a confession that Messiah gives us strength to remain faithful in whatever obedience requires. In other words:
“The Torah is not beyond our reach, and when obedience becomes costly, Messiah supplies the strength to endure faithfully.”
That harmonizes beautifully with the rest of Scripture.
Philippians 4:13 Revisited
Many people read Philippians 4:13 as:
“I can accomplish anything I dream.”
Yet Paul’s message is much deeper than that. It is:
“Whatever circumstances I face, Messiah strengthens me to remain faithful.”
The Torah is not impossible. Elohim says so. John agrees. David delights in it. And Paul reminds us that whenever obedience becomes difficult, Messiah provides the strength we need.
Final Reflection
If Yah says His commandments are not too difficult, and Messiah promises to strengthen those who follow Him, perhaps the better question is not whether obedience is possible, but whether we are willing to trust His words over the traditions that tell us otherwise.
P.S.
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