KEEP GOINGSample

Of Course You Can

We have all gone through moments in life that have led us to say, “I can’t.” I am referring to the view we have of ourselves, where it seems we don’t have what it takes to continue. This feeling stems from a human sense of helplessness toward circumstances that seem impossible to overcome.

"I can’t go on with this struggle," "I can’t do what God is asking of me," "I can't take any more difficulties," "I can’t take one more step," etc. As you can see, these expressions focus on us, on what we are, or are not, capable of doing or facing. The reality is that when we look at ourselves and see so many weaknesses, we bow our heads and feel unable to conquer.

Glory to God for Jesus Christ! Glory to God for the Holy Spirit who is in us! Glory to our Heavenly Father who has had the kindness and mercy to dwell within us! When we look to Him, when we take our eyes off our own insufficiency and place them on the Almighty God whom we love and serve, the story is different.

When Moses said "I can’t," the Lord let him see His power; when Elijah fainted because he was being persecuted, the Lord comforted him with His words and renewed his strength; when Jeremiah told God he could not do what was asked of him because he was only a child, the Lord told him: “But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. “I am with you,” Jeremiah 1:7-8 NIV.

Paul experienced that power in the midst of all his circumstances, and full of faith, he tells us: “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,” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV.

Jesus Christ, God with us, gives us what we need to move forward. When we feel incapable, when we feel our strength leaving us, when we find ourselves tempted to say “I can’t,” let us imitate our brother Paul by confessing those great words of faith: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength,” Philippians 4:13 NIV.

Speaking this way causes us to take our eyes off ourselves and place them on the One who is with us every day until the end of the world. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand,” Isaiah 41:10 NIV.