by Brad Layland, Chief Executive Officer & Senior Consultant

We’ve all seen it.

Philippians 4:13 printed on coffee mugs, stitched on race-day shirts, quoted before interviews and exams:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s a powerful verse—but one that’s often misunderstood.

Recently, I heard two different messages about this verse that completely reframed how I think about it. First, I got to hear Mark Batterson, Lead Visionary at the National Community Church, speak at an event in Washington, D.C., and then I listened to a sermon from one of our clients—Redeemer Anglican Church in Richmond, VA.

Different cities. Different contexts. Same conclusion. Philippians 4:13 is not about winning. It’s about enduring. 

For years, I treated this verse like a spiritual fuel injection—a promise that with Christ, I could pull off whatever I set my mind to: finish a marathon, crush a fundraising goal, accomplish something big for God. But when Paul wrote this verse, he wasn’t training for a race or planning a campaign. He was sitting in prison.

He wasn’t making a motivational speech. He was reflecting on his survival.

Earlier in the same chapter, Paul says, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” And then he says, “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” Not “I can achieve anything,” but, rather, “I can endure anything.” And that small shift—from a focus on achievement to a focus on endurance—is actually a huge relief.

In the world of ministry and fundraising, we often tie our sense of peace to our success. We say things like “God is with us,” but what we often mean is “we’re hitting our goals.” But what happens when we don’t? When the donor doesn’t say yes? When the event doesn’t meet the target? When the budget is tight, and the road feels long? That’s where Philippians 4:13 starts to mean something deeper. 

Jesus doesn’t promise to make us invincible. He promises to be enough—even when we feel like we’re barely holding on. And in a world where ministry is never guaranteed to be easy, that is incredibly good news. 

So what does this mean for fundraisers and ministry leaders? As you lead your team, starting a new year, and maybe face a few mountains of your own, remember:

• You don’t need to win to be faithful.

• You don’t need to control the outcome to trust the process.

• And you definitely don’t need to pretend you’re OK when you feel overwhelmed.

You need Jesus. And the good news? He’s already with you—in the joy and in the struggle.

We’ve been privileged to help many organizations be more effective in their fundraising by learning and implementing relational fundraising principles in their work with donors. Want to talk?