What Philippians 4v13 really promises athletes

Jonny Reid  |  Features
Date posted:  25 Aug 2025
Share Add       
What Philippians 4v13 really promises athletes

Source: ChatGPT

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.

Share
< Previous article| Features| Next article >
Read more articles by Jonny Reid >>
Comment
Are we forgetting that sports stars are human?

Are we forgetting that sports stars are human?

“There is no place for weak men in my dressing room.” That was England captain Ben Stokes’s frustrated verdict after …

Features
The Enhanced Games versus the grace of limitations

The Enhanced Games versus the grace of limitations

British Olympic swimmer Ben Proud has joined the Enhanced Games. It’s a decision, and a potential trajectory, for sport, with …

Give a subscription

Our monthly newspaper is the perfect gift for those who love to think deeply

Give here

About en

Our vision, values and history

Read more