How to Overcome Failure: The Bottom Line of Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

According to BibleGateway’s Top 100 Most Read Bible Verses, Philippians 4:13 ranks number four for most searched Bible verses overall. (John 3:16 is number one, in case you were wondering).

It’s popular for good reason. What an amazing declaration of strength and faith! Sports figures and high achievers all over have quoted this as the key to their success and, in doing so, give due credit to their Creator.

But what happens when you read that verse, speak it out loud, believe in it, pray on it…and fail? 

When You’re Facing Failure

The intention of this verse was not a locker-room pep talk.

What if you go up for the final shot during an intense basketball game and it bounces off the rim? Or fumble three yards short of the end zone? What if you fail to make the cut in your senior class play, or completely bomb your piano solo at the state competition? How about when you bomb an exam or don’t get the job you interviewed for?

Was it because you didn’t have enough faith? Or, worse, is it because Christ is not strong enough?

Take a look at Phillippians 4:13 in the context of the preceding two verses:

…I have learned to be content in any circumstances in which I find myself. I know what it is to live in humble circumstances, and I know what it is to have more than enough. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, while being full or hungry, while having plenty or not enough. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. 

Philippians 4:10-13 (EHV)

This verse doesn’t simply apply to the successes and good things in life. Paul is very clear that we can do ALL things through Christ. That includes being able to handle failure right alongside success—to move on from your worst moments and see beyond the hard times.

The intention of this verse was not a locker-room pep talk about gaining success on the field. Instead, it’s the secret to contentment. With Christ, you can live in joy and peace no matter the circumstances.

Remember, Paul was in prison when he wrote this verse. The circumstances can’t get much worse than that.

Philippians 4:13: A Verse With More Power Than You Thought

It’s not wrong to quote this verse in times of great achievement or to rely on its promises to help you succeed. Everything we are capable of is only possible through God, and this is just as true of unbelievers as it is believers. Believers are not the only ones capable of doing great things.

The difference is in knowing where to put the credit.

This verse is really more about endurance than ability.

But this verse is really more about endurance than ability. When you have nothing left to give—when you have failed beyond hope to the point where you can no longer walk the road you’ve been on—remember: You can endure, even when you’re facing failure.

You can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you.

More Bible Verses About Failure

I encourage you to find these in your own Bible and see the context from which they have come. (All are NIV.)

• Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 
• Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 
• By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42:8 
• But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 
• The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. Psalm 145:14-16 

Further Resources on How to Overcome Failure Like a Christian

• Dear Christian Teen, Never Be Afraid of Bad News: Why bad things happen to good people, and why you don’t need to be afraid of them happening to you.
• Just Pick Something And Do It!: Seeking God’s will for your life and letting go of your fear of failure.