"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13 (NIV).
In the English language one of the most dangerous words is - "I can't!" When this word becomes part of your normal vocabulary it can chain you down to paralysis. What can you do for someone who whenever he is faced with obstacles- his answer is "I can't!" Is it sitting a defining exam! "I can't pass!" Is it starting a good business? "No I cant for I lack capita!" Is it getting a coveted job by first applying. "No I cant get it even if I applied!"
You might think that this condition of "I can'tism" only started yesterday. Yet, truth be said, it has long been part of mankind, dragging so many behind. Let's just go back to this story when Moses traveling through a desert picked up 12 spies and tasked them to go out and scout good land (Numbers 13). After the spies returned Moses and the elders sat down for an encouraging report. Listen what these warriors shared: "They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit.But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large" (Numbers 13:27-28). In other words "I can'tism" had taken over these mournful souls. "All the people we saw there are of great size...We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them" (vv 32-33).
What saved the day was that where there was the "I can't" prophets; there were also 'It can be done" believer's. As almost everyone fell apart with fright, now stood up two different spies, Joshua and Caleb, and hear what they said: "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them" (Numbers 14: 7-9).
Are you one of those "I can't people" that whenever you are faced with an uphill task you tremble and balk. Well, it could be you know so little of the power of the Almighty God. This is what made the difference. Joshua and Caleb knew that "nothing is impossible with God!" And you know what, for that faith, God would vindicate them with supreme victory!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, where faced with any challenge, I look up to you, for victory, knowing with you "all things are possible" this I pray in Jesus's name.
Related upcoming events
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29/04/2024 - 30/04/2024 All day“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)
One of the most moving Christian song ever written is, “Its well with my soul!” To hear it sung in cathedrals, concerts or at funerals, always leaves many with goose bumps. It has uplifted many through the most difficult of moments, soothing their weary spirit.
It’s coming into being in many ways show how God so often uses difficult situations to bless so many. In 1871 Horatio Spafford, was one of the wealthiest lawyers, based in Chicago. He was also a devout Christian, along with his wife Ann, and their four daughters. But early in 1871 came the Great Fire of Chicago that destroyed Spafford’s sizable investment.
Devastated from the loss, Spafford, seeking to recover, two years later, decided to go for a holiday in Europe. But at the last minute he was detained by business, letting Ann and his four daughters to proceed, hoping to join them. No sooner had they left when the ship in which they were had an accident and sank within minutes. All the four children drowned, though Anna survived.
Spafford on receiving the news decided to go and pick up Ann. As he got to the spot where the ship had sunk, in his despair came the words that have brought respite to so many, through generations. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul... Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...With my soul..
It is well, it is well with my soul.”It is said as Ann saw her daughters going down, she said, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand.” And, indeed, “It is well with my soul” was God’s gift to all of mankind through a tragedy.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven, sometimes through tragedies, it is difficult to understand or appreciate the moment; but as the song goes, whatever the difficulty may be, “Its well with my soul” for you are with me, no matter! This I pray in Jesus’ name!
