I have felt “I can’t” a lot recently. It comes in waves and today I felt close to drowning. I KNOW I can’t. I can’t continue on in my own strength and I can’t be everything to everyone or even close to that. The more relationships you have the more complicated and overwhelming life can feel. At times I internally ponder whether I’m focusing my energy wisely. It’s a question I should always bring to Our Father God. Days are so short and time is so valuable.
In the midst of my inability I have found the beauty of knowing who God is:
When I say, “I can’t” He says,” I CAN.”
When I say, “This is impossible,” He says, “With me, all things are possible.”
When I say, “I give up,” He says, “Don’t give in.”
How can I trust Him? How do I know He can take over and won’t let me down?
Answer: His love and faithfulness past and present. My future depends on His perfect track record.
Even so, dependence in our culture has negative connotations. It really is something that society defines as weakness. I agree we should not quickly lean on other people, their opinions, or things as a “crutch” in our lives. However, the HUGE exception comes when we are referring to GOD HIMSELF, for depending on Him IS our stability! He IS “the rock of ages!”
Dear one, please know that in every “I can’t” God is right there shouting back, “I know, but I CAN and if you let me I WILL.”
What would SURRENDER look like? I believe it’s inviting God to really be God in our lives. He will never force His way in, but He stands at the door and knocks. Revelation 3:20 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in…”
We went to see Nic Vujicic speak last night at a church in Buffalo. He’s an Australian man who was born without arms and legs, known as the man “without limbs.” You can check out who he is at lifewithoutlimbs.org I have been touched and moved by his testimony for many years now since I discovered his story online. Even so, I tell you, the impact of being present with him in person: hearing his heart and pondering his reality was truly life-altering for me. If anyone ever felt incapable it would be him. I mean he has NO limbs; could we even imagine living a day in his life?
Nic really CAN’T do so many physical things. Nevertheless, BUT GOD. God came in when Nic was suicidal and saved him from that attempt. God came in and healed his heart from temporary satisfactions giving Him an eternal hope and joy. GOD. It’s not just an “answer” or a “way of life,” it’s a PERSON. HE is not a distant “Being.” No, He desires to have an intimate relationship with us as a result of JESUS dying on the cross to cleanse us from the sin that kept us from being in God’s presence.
Nic made a decision to SURRENDER and God began working out His mighty plan and purposes. At 40 years old, Nic related that he has visited and spoken in 79 countries, been on 3,500+ stages worldwide, and met with 27 presidents and counting. ONLY GOD. Are we pursuing Him on a daily basis, or is HE left to chase after us because we are so “busy.” Oh sweet conviction. I needed all of these reminders afresh.
How about you? Are you feeling inadequate? Did you know that’s the best place for you to be so that GOD can take over and MOVE in and through your life? Everything in HIS Kingdom is upside down from what the world would say! Don’t have a degree in it? Perfect! Don’t have a lot of credentials? Wonderful! Have breath in your lungs? The only requirement! It’s NEVER too late or too hard for OUR BIG GOD to use little vessels like us because with LESS of US there is MORE of HIM that shines through! The more we decrease the more He can increase in us (John 3:30). Do we believe it? WE MUST! I can’t, but HE CAN. Trust Him with your life and watch how HE MULTIPLIES all you give to Him. Don’t wait. Nothing and NO ONE else will ever satisfy.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”
Love to you all, dear ones. Leave a comment to encourage anyone who reads this of what Our matchless God is doing in your life.
We are united in the fervor the Holy Spirit brings…I CAN’t BUT OH how HE CAN…and DOES! Amen
Nailed it. 👊🏼
Thank you for letting me know! God bless you hunny!
Thank you for sharing this ! Timely!
Yes, truly HE IS our ALL IN ALL. Thank you for those words. I love your heart for Our Lord!
A beautiful reminder where to find our strength…. And when we start drifting into our own strength or unmeaningly trying to live up to social media standards or family and neighbor expectations… finding ourselves so exhausted; mentally, emotionally, physically … we can courageously remember: His yoke is easy, His burden is light and in Him is rest for our weary souls.