TRADE IN “I CAN’T!” FOR “I AM HELPING ME!”

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

Can you identify?

·      I can’t get up early or stay up late to have quiet time with God. I need more sleep than most.

·      I can’t make my mind stop worrying. I’m wired anxious.

·      I can’t share my faith with strangers. I don’t have the gift of evangelism.

·      I can’t practice hospitality. My home is too small, I’m too busy, and I can’t cook.

·      I can’t ________________________________________________.

Standing on holy ground, Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God, yet he wasn’t a bit timid to make excuses for how he couldn’t obey God (Exodus 3, 4).

Moses said, “I can’t!” God said, “I AM!” “I AM WHO I AM. This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation” (Exodus 3:14-15).

Before we come down too hard on Moses, let’s be frank. The guy was right. On his own, he couldn’t do what God was asking him to do. None of us can. We need I AM! We need His Son, His Spirit, His Word, His power, His help, His strength, His wisdom, His guidance, His timing, His resources, His people, to do what He calls us to do.  His grace is sufficient. His power is perfect in our weakness.

Billy Sunday said, “An excuse is the skin of a reason stuffed with a lie.” We can make all kinds of excuses for ignoring God’s whispers and commands. I’m too busy, I don’t feel like it, it’ll be awkward, I don’t know where to start, it’s too difficult, costly, and more. Moses had his own set of excuses and God’s anger burned against him. The good news is that God didn’t give up on Moses and He won’t give up on us either.

Think on I AM’s promise as you turn from your “I can’t” to God’s call. He says to you and me: 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).

Think on it: On an index card write an “I can’t” that you’ve spent most of your life believing. On the opposite side write, “I can do everything through I AM who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Faith sees the opportunities while unbelief sees the obstacles. Are you arguing with God about something He wants you to do?

Warren W. Wiersbe

grace and peace,

Lenae