Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. I Corinthians 16:13. NLT
Every once in a while, the Holy Spirit tunes my ears to certain phrases. Lately, I have been hearing a lot of people say “I can’t”. Has that been floating in your mind or thoughts lately? As I meditated on this phrase, I began to realize it is one of Satan’s tools to stop us from doing what He’s called us to do.
The first thing we need to examine is: is it really “I can’t” or is it “I don’t want to”. Oftentimes it seems much more socially appropriate to just say “I can’t” instead. Being honest with ourselves and the Lord is the beginning of freedom. The “I don’t want to” can originate from laziness (I don’t want to put in the work) or fear of failure in the assignment. Ask yourself, is it I really don’t think I can do something or the bottom line is I simply don’t want to do it. The next step in the process is to admit it and ask for help. If you don’t want to, then ask the Lord to help you want to. Father, I want to obey you, but this is just too hard or to overwhelming, please help me. Forgive me for not trusting Your wisdom and Your belief in me that I can do all things through You, because You will strengthen me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
If Satan and our flesh can stop us at the beginning of God’s assignment, he has really won hasn’t he? The problem with yielding to the I can’ts is the I can’ts usually bring friends. Friends like, “I am too stupid”, “too tired”, “not good enough” or the ever favorite “I’m too busy” and “I might fail”. These phrases load us up with guilt and shame. They take our focus off God and His strength and put it back on us.
The “I can’ts” rob us of the victory of accomplishment. They take away our usefulness to the Kingdom of God and those around us. I Corinthians 16:13 begins with Be on guard. I think we should be on guard against these excuses. They enemy of our soul and our own flesh desires to keep us from being the influence God desires us to be for His Kingdom. My friends, please be on guard. If you find these phrases in your heart or tongue, examine their source. Remember, our accomplishments encourage others to tackle their own!
Stand firm in the faith. So what happens if we let our guard down, we begin to trust in our own works, not lean on Him. We will live smaller lives than He intends, because we are reduced to our own capabilities. The next time you are tempted to say, “I can’t”, begin to ask yourself, what happens if I can? What happens if I do it? For years I have watched my sisters knit. They are quite skilled at it, while I crocheted. For some reason, I decided that this year I wanted to learn to knit. Before, I have always said, “I can’t” knit. They have been so patient with me. I finished my first project! Accomplishing something not only builds confidence in that task, but transfers to others.
This is not necessarily a Kingdom changing skill, but it gave me confidence to tackle a new ministry project for our church (one in which I definitely feel a bit overwhelmed!). I see the need for this new ministry. As I pray, I watch Him adding wisdom, insight and people! Oh my friends, what need is He showing You? Are you willing to say yes to Him and no to the “I can’ts”? Keep praying, asking, seeking and knocking for His answers. I did not think I could write a book, but a change in perspective and setting myself to be a learner took away the “I can’ts”, and the book is published.
Be courageous. No matter what we tackle, every new thing takes courage. It also takes perseverance. Draw upon the fact you are not alone. God is with you. Remember, he that has begun a new work in you, shall complete it. God’s will is we complete the task with His help. Remember He is your source of courage, not yourself.
Be strong. Ephesians 6:10 be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. We cannot accomplish anything for the Kingdom in our own strength, but in His mighty power. When was the last time you thought about “mighty power”? This is not the power of the Marvel characters, but it is the power to accomplish all He thinks we need to do. Do not give in to the “I can’ts” and its friends. They are definitely not friends of you or God’s Kingdom. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. Often this strengthening process takes time and perseverance. It definitely takes faith and trust in Him plus investment to learn about Him and His Word. You can do more than you think you can at this moment if you allow Him to work in and through you. Can I get you to at least change your, I can’t to I will try?
Father, I ask you to help us to be on guard, stand firm in faith, be courageous and walk in Your strength. Show us where we have quit before we’ve begun my deciding that we can’t. Forgive us for quitting too soon, in Jesus’ Name, amen.
Faith Encounters 