"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.
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
