I enjoy hearing teaching by Springfieldian Jennifer Rothschild, whose Bible studies and Fresh Grounded Faith conferences have blessed women across the U.S. for many years. For those not familiar with Jennifer, she has lived her adult life blind after progressive vision loss as a teenager; but starting with her book “Lessons I Learned in the Dark,” her spiritual insight is alive and well.
Jennifer named her “4:13 Podcast” for what she calls a “Hobby Lobby verse” often seen on décor and coffee mugs. As she explains, however, we must be careful not to take it out of context. Much of the Apostle Paul’s writing was from prison or during persecution; the verses surrounding Philippians 4:13 allude to concern for his close friends, having to work out problems in churches, and living with “much” or “little.” Only after reminding his readers the importance of contentment did he pen or dictate, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Whenever Jennifer refers to such oft-quoted verses, I think about some I hear regularly. Jeremiah 29:11 comes to mind, usually quoted from the NIV or similar versions, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
During circumstances so discouraging that having Stage 3 colon cancer was NOT my worst problem, my family learned to appreciate this verse in context. It was written to Israel during the Babylonian exile as a reminder that their troubles, allowed by God due to their disobedience, didn’t negate God’s promises; just delayed them. They were told to keep seeking God in their circumstances, while planting gardens, raising families and seeking the prosperity of the location they lived in. That verse didn’t make our family situation any easier, but reading it in context reminded us God hadn’t forgotten us.
Another saying I’ve heard is “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Oh, wait—that one isn’t just out of context, it’s not even in the Bible! Many, many people have been given LOTS more than they can handle, stuff only God can handle! The saying may be based on 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.” Again, context is key: The verse deals with temptation, not trials. All of us, starting with Adam and Eve, face temptation; the question is in how we deal with it. Am I like my kids as toddlers, edging closer to the line, thinking God will yank me back at the last instant? Or am I staying close to Him through regular prayer and Bible study, listening to the Holy Spirit to recognize temptation and turn away?
James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote to the early Church that trials were actually a blessing leading to perseverance and eventual reward, but temptation is another story: “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires, he is lured away and enticed” (1:13-14).
I find “Hobby Lobby verses” are a blessing when used in context as a prompt toward deeper study. I pray they serve you that way as well!
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