What Philippians 4v13 really promises athletes

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.