There’s one verse that seems to be beloved by athletes. It’s tattooed on arms, scribbled on armbands, repeated in locker rooms: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4v13).
A mantra of motivation – divine strength for success. But what happens when dreams don’t come true? When “all things” don’t happen?
We admire ambition. To be human is to desire, to stretch toward greatness. For athletes, that often means striving to be the best. Sport, like ambition, is a gift – one way we reflect God’s image as creators and stewards of beauty and excellence. That’s why a verse like Philippians 4v13 resonates.
We often read this verse as a promise of victory. But that can set us up for confusion when injury strikes, dreams fade, or careers stall.
Here’s the truth: “All things” doesn’t just mean the things we want.
The biblical context
As we zoom out we see that Philippians 4 is a letter from prison. Paul writes not after a win, but while in chains. “All things” includes hunger. It includes being brought low. It includes sitting in a prison cell, cut off from everything.
Paul’s point? Christ is enough – in abundance or in need, in success or in suffering.
"Paul writes not after a win, but while in chains."
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound… I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4v11–13).
Where do you go when dreams don’t materialise? When retirement looms, or even your Philippians 4v13 tattoo starts to sag?
Where is our identity found?
Nick Foles, after leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl win, later found himself a third-string QB. But he knew who he was: “It doesn’t matter if you’re first string, second string, third string – you’ve got to know who you are… It can’t be in this game. It’s got to be in something greater, and I’ve always said mine’s in Jesus Christ. I was a third-string quarterback tonight… but that’s not who I am.”
Foles had learned what Paul had – your identity isn’t in performance. It isn’t in position. It’s in Christ. And if you're united to Him, that can’t be taken away – win or lose, starter or benched, rookie or retired.
Nick Foles knew what Paul did. It’s why Paul can say a few verses before: “Rejoice in the Lord always… do not be anxious about anything.” Anything.
Philippians 4v13 is a wonderful promise. Not that the Christian athlete will always win, but that they can always endure. It’s strength to keep going after a torn ligament, a lost final, or an unfulfilled dream. It’s joy that doesn’t depend on the scoreboard. It's peace that remains when retirement arrives or recognition doesn’t.
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